5-fluorouracil + interferon alfa + interleukin-2 + thalidomide

This is a combination regimen consisting of four agents—5-fluorouracil (5-FU), interferon alfa, interleukin-2 (IL-2), and thalidomide—used primarily in investigational settings for the treatment of advanced or metastatic cancers, particularly renal cell carcinoma. - **5-fluorouracil** is a cytotoxic antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis and leading to cell death. - **Interferon alfa** is a cytokine with immunomodulatory and antiproliferative effects, enhancing immune response against tumor cells. - **Interleukin-2** stimulates proliferation and activation of lymphocytes, especially T-cells and natural killer cells, promoting anti-tumor immunity. - **Thalidomide** has immunomodulatory properties and inhibits angiogenesis by blocking factors such as VEGF and FGF. The rationale for this combination is to leverage both direct cytotoxicity (from 5-FU) and enhanced immune-mediated tumor destruction (from interferon alfa, IL-2, thalidomide). Thalidomide’s antiangiogenic effect may further suppress tumor growth by limiting blood supply[1][6][10]. This regimen has been studied in phase I/II trials for metastatic renal cell carcinoma; it remains investigational with no established approval status.

Other names

Thalidomide + FUNIL5-FU + IFN-alfa + IL-2 + thalidomide