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.