title: 5-Fluorouracil with leucovorin in breast cancer.
abstract: Extensive preclinical data have demonstrated that leucovorin can modulate 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cytotoxicity. Additionally, randomized clinical trials have shown that leucovorin increases the therapeutic index of 5-FU in patients with advanced colorectal cancer, setting a new therapeutic standard for this disease. Based on this information, several controlled, but nonrandomized, clinical trials have examined the combination of 5-FU and leucovorin in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Although many of these trials are still ongoing, preliminary information suggests that leucovorin also potentiates 5-FU activity against breast carcinoma. However, to date, it has not been shown that leucovorin increases the therapeutic index of 5-FU in these patients. Continued testing of the role of leucovorin in combination chemotherapy for breast cancer appears warranted.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic, Department of Oncology, Rochester, Minnesota 55905.
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Loprinzi
mesh_terms: D000971:Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D002955:Leucovorin / Q000008:administration & dosage
chemical_list: D002955:Leucovorin; D005472:Fluorouracil