Fluorouracil
AdrucilPubChem CID 3385 · 3D model
Drag to rotate. Scroll or pinch to zoom.
Blocks the enzyme cancer cells need to build new DNA, so damaged cells can't copy themselves and die off.
How it works
Fluorouracil is a man-made building block that mimics one of the natural pieces cells use to make DNA. Once inside the body, it's converted into forms that jam the enzyme cells need to produce fresh DNA material, and some of it even gets built directly into a cell's DNA and RNA by mistake. This double disruption stops fast-growing cells — like cancer cells — from copying themselves correctly. Because tumor cells divide so quickly, they're hit hardest by this effect.
What it’s used for
Used to treat certain colon, rectal, breast, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. It's typically given as part of a combination chemotherapy plan to help control cancer that can't be cured with surgery alone.
- Mechanism
- Thymidylate synthase inhibitor (antimetabolite)
- Drug class
- Small molecule
- Therapeutic area
- Oncology