cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + fluorouracil

Cyclophosphamide + doxorubicin + fluorouracil, commonly referred to as the CAF or FAC regimen, is a standard combination chemotherapy used primarily for the treatment of breast cancer. It consists of three small molecule agents: cyclophosphamide (an alkylating agent), doxorubicin (an anthracycline and topoisomerase II inhibitor), and 5-fluorouracil (an antimetabolite). This regimen has been utilized in neoadjuvant, adjuvant, and metastatic settings for decades. It works by targeting rapidly dividing cells through multiple mechanisms, including DNA cross-linking, DNA intercalation, and inhibition of nucleotide synthesis. While newer taxane-containing regimens (like TAC) have been compared against it, CAF/FAC remains a widely used and affordable option in global oncology.

Brand names

CytoxanAdriamycinAdrucil

Other names

CAFFACCAF regimenFAC regimencyclophosphamide, adriamycin, and 5-fluorouracil5-FU, adriamycin, and cyclophosphamide