fluorouracil + leucovorin calcium + oxaliplatin

FOLFOX-6 is a combination chemotherapy regimen comprising oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil. It is widely utilized as a first-line or adjuvant treatment for colorectal cancer, including metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Oxaliplatin, a platinum derivative, exerts its effect by forming inter- and intra-strand DNA cross-links, which inhibit DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a fluorinated pyrimidine antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase, an enzyme essential for DNA synthesis. Leucovorin calcium (folinic acid) is administered alongside 5-FU to stabilize the binding of the drug to thymidylate synthase, thereby enhancing its efficacy. The regimen is typically administered intravenously in cycles. In the context of the study by Allama Iqbal Medical College, FOLFOX-6 is being compared against the CAPOX regimen to evaluate relative efficacy and safety in a local patient population.

Other names

FOLFOXFluorouracil, Leucovorin Calcium, and Oxaliplatin