5-FU, or 5-fluorouracil, is a chemotherapy medication that stops cancer cells from growing and multiplying. It does this by interfering with the production of thymine, a building block of DNA. Without thymine, cancer cells cannot create new DNA and therefore cannot divide and spread.
Here are some key ways 5-FU works:
- Inhibits thymidylate synthase: This enzyme is crucial for converting deoxyuridylate to thymidylate, a necessary step in DNA synthesis. 5-FU binds to thymidylate synthase, blocking its activity and preventing the production of thymine.
- Incorporates into RNA: 5-FU can also be incorporated into RNA, interfering with the synthesis of proteins essential for cell growth and division.
- Induces apoptosis: 5-FU can trigger programmed cell death in cancer cells, leading to their elimination.
5-FU is used to treat various cancers, including:
- Colorectal cancer: It is often used as a first-line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer and can be administered intravenously or orally.
- Breast cancer: 5-FU can be part of combination chemotherapy regimens for breast cancer, particularly in cases of advanced disease.
- Stomach cancer: 5-FU is frequently used in combination with other chemotherapy agents to treat stomach cancer.
It's important to note that 5-FU can cause side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hair loss. These side effects can be managed with supportive care and medications.
