Fluorouracil, also known as 5-FU, is a cytostatic – a drug that inhibits cell growth and cell division. This drug is used to treat various types of cancer, such as cancer of the oesophagus, breast, stomach, bowel, pancreas, liver, bladder, uterus, ovaries, vagina, skin and brain. It is also used to treat superficial skin tumours and the early stages of such cancers.
Fluorouracil and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which fluorouracil is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of fluorouracil can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes.
Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Also known as
5-Fluoracil, 5-Fluoropyrimidine-2,4-dione, 5-Fluorouracil, 5-Fluracil, 5-FU, Fluoro Uracil, Fluorouracil, Fluorouracilo, Fluorouracilum, Fluoruracil, Fluouracil, FU, Carzonal, Efudix, Efurix, Ftoruracil, Adrucil, Carac, Efudex, Fluoroplex