5-fluorouracil

Definition

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy medication used to treat various types of cancer, particularly colorectal, breast, and stomach cancers. As an antimetabolite, it works by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA, ultimately disrupting the growth of cancer cells. This drug is known for its ability to mimic uracil, which leads to its incorporation into RNA and subsequent inhibition of essential cellular processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 5-fluorouracil is commonly administered intravenously or topically, depending on the type and location of the cancer being treated.
2. This drug can cause significant side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myelosuppression, which can lead to a decrease in white blood cells.
3. 5-FU's mechanism involves the conversion to active metabolites that inhibit thymidylate synthase, an enzyme crucial for DNA synthesis.
4. The drug is often used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its effectiveness against cancer.
5. Monitoring patient response and toxicity levels is critical during 5-fluorouracil treatment due to its potential severe side effects.

Review Questions

• How does 5-fluorouracil function as an antimetabolite in cancer treatment?
  • 5-fluorouracil functions as an antimetabolite by mimicking uracil, allowing it to be incorporated into RNA. This incorporation disrupts normal RNA function and inhibits vital cellular processes necessary for cancer cell growth and division. Additionally, 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase, an enzyme needed for DNA synthesis, ultimately leading to impaired replication of cancer cells.
• Discuss the side effects associated with 5-fluorouracil treatment and their implications for patient management.
  • The side effects of 5-fluorouracil treatment include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myelosuppression. Myelosuppression can lead to a decreased white blood cell count, increasing the risk of infections. These side effects necessitate careful monitoring of patients throughout treatment to manage symptoms effectively and adjust dosages as needed for safety while maximizing therapeutic benefits.
• Evaluate the role of 5-fluorouracil in combination therapy for cancer treatment and its impact on patient outcomes.
  • In combination therapy, 5-fluorouracil enhances the effectiveness of other chemotherapeutic agents by targeting different mechanisms involved in cancer cell proliferation. This approach can lead to improved response rates and overall survival in patients with certain cancers. Evaluating this strategy highlights how leveraging multiple drugs can increase treatment efficacy while potentially reducing the likelihood of resistance that may arise with monotherapy.

Related terms

Antimetabolite: A class of drugs that interfere with DNA and RNA synthesis, often used in cancer treatment to disrupt the growth of rapidly dividing cells.

Cancer: A group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth and division, which can lead to tumor formation and spread to other parts of the body.

Chemotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells, often affecting both malignant and healthy cells.