Prolonged and enhanced suppression of thymidylate synthase by weekly 24-h infusion of high-dose 5-fluorouracil
2000

High-Dose 5-Fluorouracil and Thymidylate Synthase Suppression

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Yeh K-H, Yeh S-H, Hsu C-H, Wang T-M, Ma I-F, Cheng A-L

Primary Institution: National Taiwan University Hospital

Hypothesis

Does prolonged exposure to low concentrations of 5-FU lead to better suppression of thymidylate synthase compared to short exposure to high concentrations?

Conclusion

Prolonged exposure to low concentrations of 5-FU results in better suppression of thymidylate synthase and enhanced cytotoxicity compared to short exposure to high concentrations.

Supporting Evidence

  • 24-h exposure to low concentration of 5-FU resulted in better suppression of free TS.
  • Higher degree of S-phase blockade was observed with prolonged exposure.
  • Enhanced cytotoxicity was noted with the 24-h regimen compared to the 30-min regimen.

Takeaway

Giving cancer cells a little bit of medicine for a long time works better than giving them a lot of medicine for a short time.

Methodology

In vitro studies using human gastric cancer cell line NCI-N87 to compare effects of different 5-FU regimens.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1054/bjoc.2000.1456

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication