Fluorouracil

Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a drug that is used in the treatment of cancer. It belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Its principal use is in colorectal cancer, in which it has been the established form of chemotherapy for decades (platinum-containing drugs are a recent addition).

Capecitabine and gemcitabine are prodrugs that are converted to 5-FU in the tissues. They can be administered orally.