Carmofur: Difference between revisions

Carmofur
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Revision as of 04:05, 13 February 2025

Overview of the chemotherapy drug Carmofur

Carmofur is a chemotherapy drug used primarily in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It is an orally administered antineoplastic agent that belongs to the class of fluoropyrimidines. Carmofur is a derivative of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.

Mechanism of Action

Carmofur works by interfering with the synthesis of DNA and RNA in cancer cells. It is a prodrug that is metabolized into 5-FU in the body. 5-FU inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthase, which is crucial for the synthesis of thymidine, a nucleotide necessary for DNA replication. By inhibiting this enzyme, Carmofur effectively prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.

Pharmacokinetics

Carmofur is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes hepatic metabolism to form active metabolites, including 5-FU. The drug and its metabolites are primarily excreted through the urinary system. The pharmacokinetic profile of Carmofur allows for oral administration, which is advantageous for patient compliance compared to intravenous chemotherapy.

Clinical Use

Carmofur is used in the treatment of colorectal cancer, particularly in cases where surgical resection is not possible or as an adjuvant therapy following surgery. It may also be used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its efficacy.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Carmofur include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and myelosuppression, which can lead to decreased white blood cell counts and increased risk of infection. Patients may also experience hand-foot syndrome, a condition characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Contraindications

Carmofur is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to 5-FU or any of its derivatives. It should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function, as these conditions can affect the drug's metabolism and excretion.

Related pages

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-'''Carmofur''' is a [[chemotherapy]] agent and a derivative of [[fluorouracil]], a [[pyrimidine analogue]] used in the treatment of certain types of [[cancer]]. It is primarily utilized in the treatment of [[colorectal cancer]] and has been investigated for its efficacy against other malignancies. Carmofur works by inhibiting the enzyme [[thymidylate synthase]], which is necessary for DNA synthesis, thereby preventing the growth and proliferation of cancer cells.
+{{Short description|Overview of the chemotherapy drug Carmofur}}
+{{Drugbox
+| image = Carmofur.svg
+| image_size = 250px
+| image_alt = Structural formula of Carmofur
+}}
+'''Carmofur''' is a [[chemotherapy]] drug used primarily in the treatment of [[colorectal cancer]]. It is an orally administered [[antineoplastic]] agent that belongs to the class of [[fluoropyrimidines]]. Carmofur is a derivative of [[5-fluorouracil]] (5-FU), a widely used chemotherapeutic agent.
 ==Mechanism of Action==
-Carmofur inhibits the enzyme thymidylate synthase, leading to a decrease in thymidylate production, an essential precursor for DNA synthesis. This inhibition results in the disruption of DNA replication and repair in rapidly dividing cancer cells, ultimately leading to cell death. Additionally, Carmofur is metabolized into fluorouracil in the body, which further enhances its anticancer effects through incorporation into RNA and DNA, causing cytotoxicity and cell death.
+Carmofur works by interfering with the synthesis of [[DNA]] and [[RNA]] in cancer cells. It is a prodrug that is metabolized into 5-FU in the body. 5-FU inhibits the enzyme [[thymidylate synthase]], which is crucial for the synthesis of [[thymidine]], a nucleotide necessary for DNA replication. By inhibiting this enzyme, Carmofur effectively prevents the proliferation of cancer cells.
+==Pharmacokinetics==
+Carmofur is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and undergoes hepatic metabolism to form active metabolites, including 5-FU. The drug and its metabolites are primarily excreted through the [[urinary system]]. The pharmacokinetic profile of Carmofur allows for oral administration, which is advantageous for patient compliance compared to intravenous chemotherapy.
-==Clinical Uses==
+==Clinical Use==
-Carmofur is mainly used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. It has been shown to be effective as an adjuvant therapy following surgery for patients with this type of cancer, helping to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence. The drug has also been studied for its potential use in treating other types of cancers, including breast cancer and gastric cancer, although its use in these cancers is less common.
+Carmofur is used in the treatment of [[colorectal cancer]], particularly in cases where surgical resection is not possible or as an adjuvant therapy following surgery. It may also be used in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents to enhance its efficacy.
 ==Side Effects==
-Like other chemotherapy drugs, Carmofur can cause a range of side effects due to its effect on rapidly dividing cells. Common side effects include [[nausea]] and [[vomiting]], [[diarrhea]], [[leukopenia]] (a decrease in white blood cells), and [[thrombocytopenia]] (a decrease in platelets). More severe side effects may include [[neurotoxicity]] and [[hepatotoxicity]] (liver damage). Patients undergoing treatment with Carmofur should be closely monitored for these side effects, and appropriate supportive care should be provided to manage them.
+Common side effects of Carmofur include [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], [[diarrhea]], and [[myelosuppression]], which can lead to decreased [[white blood cell]] counts and increased risk of infection. Patients may also experience [[hand-foot syndrome]], a condition characterized by redness, swelling, and pain on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.
-==Pharmacokinetics==
-After oral administration, Carmofur is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and metabolized into fluorouracil in the liver. Its pharmacokinetics can be affected by liver function, and dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with hepatic impairment. The drug is primarily excreted in the urine.
-==Research and Development==
-Research on Carmofur continues to explore its potential applications in cancer treatment, including its use in combination with other chemotherapy agents or targeted therapies. Studies are also investigating the pharmacogenomics of Carmofur to better understand how genetic variations in patients affect their response to the drug, with the aim of optimizing dosing and minimizing side effects.
-==Conclusion==
+==Contraindications==
-Carmofur represents an important option in the chemotherapy arsenal, particularly for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Its mechanism of action, targeting the synthesis of DNA in cancer cells, offers a strategic approach to controlling tumor growth. Ongoing research and clinical trials will further elucidate its role in cancer therapy and potentially expand its use to other types of cancer.
+Carmofur is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to 5-FU or any of its derivatives. It should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver or kidney function, as these conditions can affect the drug's metabolism and excretion.
-[[Category:Cancer treatment]]
+==Related pages==
-[[Category:Chemotherapy agents]]
+* [[Colorectal cancer]]
-[[Category:Pyrimidine analogues]]
+* [[Chemotherapy]]
+* [[5-Fluorouracil]]
+* [[Thymidylate synthase]]
-{{Chemotherapy-stub}}
+[[Category:Chemotherapy drugs]]
+[[Category:Antineoplastic agents]]