Tegafur itself is an inactive drug that is converted by the body into the active drug fluorouracil. Fluorouracil is a cytostatic – it inhibits cell growth and cell division. Tegafur is used to treat advanced stomach cancer, usually in combination with gimeracil and oteracil. Gimeracil reduces the rate at which fluorouracil is broken down, allowing it to remain effective for longer.
Oteracil is used to reduce side effects.
Tegafur and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which tegafur is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of tegafur can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes.
DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Tegafur and the enzyme DPD
After being converted into the active component fluorouracil, tegafur is processed to a large extent by the enzyme DPD. The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of tegafur can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with tegafur.
Read more about DPD enzyme »
Also known as
Teysuno, Ai Yi, ESUEEW AN T, Fimer, Ftorafur, Furil, Futraful, Icarus, Lunacin, NKS-1 T, Qi Xing, S-1 Sterozine, Tefudex, Tegacin, Tegracil, Teroful, TS-1, TS-ONE, UFT, Ufur, Unitoral, Utefos