Related Experiment Videos
The oral fluorouracil prodrugs
R Pazdur1, P M Hoff, D Medgyesy
1Division of Medicine, University of Texas, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Houston, USA.
Oncology (Williston Park, N.Y.)
|November 27, 1998
Summary
Oral fluorinated pyrimidines like capecitabine, UFT, and S-1 offer convenient cancer treatment. They convert to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo, potentially reducing side effects and costs compared to intravenous 5-FU regimens.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Selected oral fluorinated pyrimidines are converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in vivo for antitumor effects.
- Agents include capecitabine, tegafur-uracil (UFT) plus leucovorin, and S-1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate oral fluoropyrimidine agents as alternatives to intravenous 5-FU.
- To explore potential benefits including convenience, reduced toxicity, and pharmacoeconomic advantages.
Main Methods:
- Review of oral fluoropyrimidine agents (capecitabine, UFT, S-1) and their mechanism of action.
- Comparison of oral versus intravenous 5-FU plus leucovorin regimens.
- Discussion of ongoing Phase III trials in advanced colorectal carcinomas.
Main Results:
- Oral agents provide prolonged 5-FU exposure at lower peak concentrations than intravenous administration.
- Potential for reduced administration costs and toxicity-related hospitalizations.
- Potential for improved therapeutic activity through higher tumor 5-FU concentrations or biochemical modulation.
Conclusions:
- Oral fluoropyrimidines offer a convenient therapeutic option with potential pharmacoeconomic and clinical advantages.
- Ongoing trials are crucial for comparing antitumor activity against established intravenous regimens.