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Fluorouracil

This page contains brief information about fluorouracil and a collection of

links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and

ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Adrucil

Efudex

Fluoroplex

FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Fluorouracil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for palliative treatment of the following:

Colorectal cancer.

Breast cancer.

Stomach cancer.

Pancreatic cancer.

Fluorouracil is approved to be used with other drugs to treat:

Metastatic colorectal cancer, including cancer that has recurred (come back) or gotten worse after

earlier chemotherapy.

Stage III colorectal cancer (given as adjuvant therapy).

Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) that cannot be treated

with surgery.

Gastric adenocarcinoma.

Fluorouracil is also approved to be used by itself as a topical treatment for the following:

Superficial basal cell carcinoma that cannot be treated with surgery.

A skin condition called actinic keratosis.

Fluorouracil is also called "5-FU". In addition to the uses that have been approved by the FDA, fluorouracil

is sometimes used alone or with other drugs to treat other types of cancer. Fluorouracil also continues to be

studied in the treatment of many types of cancer.

More About Fluorouracil

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Fluorouracil - A lay language summary of important information about this drug

that may include the following:

warnings about this drug,

what this drug is used for and how it is used,

what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,

what you should know about this drug before using it,

other drugs that may interact with this drug, and

possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are

approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of

the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Fluorouracil - National Cancer Institute Page 1 of 2

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fluorouracil 6/28/2011
Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: 5-FU–Based Chemotherapy Cures Some Patients with Colon Cancer - Important

clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Chemotherapy Before Surgery May Increase Survival in Stomach Cancer - Important

clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Patients with Esophageal Cancer May Be Able to Avoid Surgery - Important clinical

trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Chemotherapy Delays Recurrence of Liver Metastases from Colorectal Cancer -

Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Capecitabine an Alternative in Post-Surgery Treatment of Stage III Colon Cancer -

Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Docetaxel Combination Effective After Surgery for Node-Positive Breast Cancer -

Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Adding Docetaxel Improves Survival in Stomach Cancer - Important clinical trial

results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Docetaxel Before Radiation Extends Survival in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer

- Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Fluorouracil - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting

patients.

Important: The drug information on this Web page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for

medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this

drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more

information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.

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Fluorouracil - National Cancer Institute Page 2 of 2

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fluorouracil 6/28/2011