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5-FU

by Donna Myers
for About.com

Updated: January 27, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

5-FU (fluorouracil) is a chemotherapy drug that interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It can be used to treat many types of cancers, including cancer of the colon, rectum, breast, stomach, head, and neck. 5-FU is sold under the brand name Adrucil.

Learn more about 5-FU by visiting the fluorouracil information page.

If you'd like basic information about each type of drug used in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer, please take a look at the Colorectal Cancer Drug Index.

Source: Drug Finder: Fluorouracil. About.com. Accessed 28 Jan. 2008 [http://drugsaz.about.com/od/drugs/fluorouracil.htm].
Also Known As: fluorouracil, Adrucil

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