Floxuridine (FUDR)

Other Medications · Approved since 1970

US FDA Approved ES Not funded IV 2 Clinical Trials
Thymidylate synthase

Description

Floxuridine (FUDR) is a fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite chemotherapy agent used primarily for regional therapy in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases. It is most commonly administered via hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) to deliver high concentrations of chemotherapy directly to liver tumors while minimizing systemic toxicity. The drug is also utilized in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) protocols for patients with peritoneal metastases from colorectal cancer.

Mechanism of Action

Floxuridine is converted intracellularly to 5-fluorouracil and then to active metabolites that inhibit thymidylate synthase, a key enzyme required for DNA synthesis. This inhibition depletes thymidine triphosphate pools and incorporates fraudulent nucleotides into DNA, ultimately leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Molecular Targets

Side Effects

Diarrhea Nausea Vomiting Stomatitis Hand-foot syndrome Hepatotoxicity Biliary sclerosis Gastroduodenal ulceration Myelosuppression Fatigue

Not all side effects are listed. Side effects vary by individual. Always consult your oncologist.

Clinical Trials

NCT03500874 Phase 3
Archived
Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy With or Without HAI-FUDR in Patients With Resected CRLM
China
NCT01815359 Phase 2
Active, not recruiting
ICARuS Post-operative Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (EPIC) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) After Optimal Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) for Neoplasms of the Appendix, Colon or Rectum With Isolated Peritoneal Metastasis
United States