Fluorouracil, September 8, 1997

Fluorouracil, September 8, 1997

Fluorouracil, also known as 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu), is converted in the body into fluorouracil deoxyribonucleotide, inhibiting nucleotide synthase and blocking the formation of deoxyribonucleic acid, thereby affecting the biosynthesis of ribonucleic acid and exerting a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of tumor cells. This drug primarily acts during the S phase. Oral absorption is incomplete, while intravenous injection is complete. Take 50 mg orally three times a day, or inject 500 mg intravenously into saline solution for 1–5 days. Intratumoral injection, intraperitoneal administration, and topical application are also possible. Side effects include suppression of bone marrow, initially causing a decrease in white blood cells, reaching the lowest point after 1–2 weeks of medication, recovering after 2–3 weeks of discontinuation; severe cases may experience thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia. Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomatitis, while local side effects include phlebitis. Hair loss, dermatitis, darkening of the nail beds, and even cerebellar degeneration may occur.