5-Fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil (pronunciation: /faɪv flʊərəʊˈjuːrəsɪl/), often abbreviated as 5-FU, is a medication used in the treatment of cancer. It is a type of antimetabolite and chemotherapy drug that interferes with the growth of cancer cells, slowing their growth and spread in the body.

Etymology

The name "5-Fluorouracil" is derived from its chemical structure. The "5" refers to the position of the fluorine atom on the uracil molecule. Uracil is one of the four nucleobases in the nucleic acid of Ribonucleic Acid that are represented by the letters A, G, C and U. The "Fluoro" refers to the presence of a fluorine atom.

Usage

5-Fluorouracil is used to treat various types of cancer, including colorectal, breast, stomach, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers. It is often used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to enhance its effectiveness.

Mechanism of Action

5-Fluorouracil works by inhibiting the enzyme thymidylate synthase, which is necessary for DNA synthesis. By blocking this enzyme, 5-Fluorouracil prevents cancer cells from replicating and growing.

Side Effects

Common side effects of 5-Fluorouracil include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth sores. More serious side effects can include neutropenia, a condition characterized by low levels of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

Related Terms

• Cancer
• Chemotherapy
• Antimetabolite
• Thymidylate Synthase
• Neutropenia

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on 5-Fluorouracil
• Wikipedia's article - 5-Fluorouracil

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