Abstract
1- (Tetrahydro-2-furanyl) -5-fluorouracil (Futraful®, FT-207) was synthesized by S.A. Hiller, et al. in 1967. In this 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) derivative, a tetrahydrofuran group replace the sugar on the nucleoside.
FT-207 is an antimetabolite, anti-tumor agent, and is well absorbed from the intenstine. It is gradually metabolized to substances such as 5-FU, 5-fluorouridine (FUR) and 5-Fluorouridine monophosphate (FUMP), which exhibit anti-tumor activity. These active substances are maintained in the blood and tissues for a long time, and thus FT-207 shows significant anti-tumor activity.
FT-207 has less effect than other anti-tumor agents on antibody production, the blood picture and the functions of the liver, spleen and kidney. Thus since it has only side effects, it can be used for a long-term therapeutic treatment.
It is effective when given intravenously, orally or intrarectally and has been employed clinically to induce tumor regression and to maintain regression and inhibit metastases.
