fluorouracil + interferon alfa-2b + aldesleukin + isotretinoin

The FUNIL-cRa regimen is an experimental four-drug combination therapy developed and evaluated by the University of New Mexico for the treatment of advanced, metastatic, or recurrent renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This chemo-immunotherapy regimen consists of the pyrimidine analog chemotherapy agent fluorouracil (5-FU), the cytokines interferon alfa-2b and aldesleukin (recombinant interleukin-2), and the retinoid isotretinoin. The regimen is designed to leverage synergistic anti-tumor effects: aldesleukin and interferon alfa-2b stimulate the host immune system (particularly T-cells and natural killer cells), fluorouracil inhibits thymidylate synthase to disrupt DNA synthesis in rapidly dividing cancer cells, and isotretinoin may induce cell differentiation or apoptosis. This multi-modal approach was primarily evaluated in Phase I/II pilot studies to improve outcomes in kidney cancer patients who have failed standard therapies.

Other names

FUNIL-cRa regimen5-FU + IFN + IL-2 + Isotretinoin