fluorouracil + interferon alpha-2b

Fluorouracil + interferon alpha-2b is a combination therapy consisting of the antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent fluorouracil (5-FU) and the recombinant cytokine interferon alpha-2b. Fluorouracil acts primarily as a pyrimidine analog that inhibits thymidylate synthase, disrupting DNA synthesis and leading to cell death in rapidly dividing tumor cells. Interferon alpha-2b is an immunomodulatory protein that exerts antiviral and antiproliferative effects by binding to type I interferon receptors, activating JAK/STAT signaling pathways, upregulating immune responses against tumor cells, and modulating cell cycle progression. The combination has been investigated for synergistic antitumor activity in several cancers including advanced gastric cancer[1][7], hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis[4], metastatic renal cell carcinoma[9], and fibrolamellar carcinoma[3][6][8]. Clinical studies suggest this regimen can be tolerable with manageable side effects such as fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, cytopenias, fever, and skin changes; dose-limiting toxicities include fatigue/weakness and neurologic symptoms. The combination may enhance direct cytotoxicity while also stimulating anti-tumor immunity.

Other names

5-fluorouracil + interferon alpha-2b5-FU + rIFN alpha-2b5-FU + IFN-alpha-2b