fluorouracil + leucovorin + oxaliplatin

bFOL is a combination chemotherapy regimen primarily utilized as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The regimen consists of oxaliplatin, bolus 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and leucovorin (folinic acid). It is distinguished from other FOLFOX variants by its use of bolus administration for 5-FU rather than continuous infusion, making it a viable alternative for patients who lack central venous access devices. The components work synergistically: oxaliplatin acts as a platinum-based alkylating agent that causes DNA cross-linking; 5-fluorouracil is an antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase; and leucovorin acts as a biochemical modulator that stabilizes the binding of 5-FU to its target enzyme, thereby enhancing its cytotoxic effect. Clinical studies, such as the TREE study, have evaluated bFOL's safety and efficacy compared to infusional and oral fluoropyrimidine-based regimens.

Other names

bFOLbolus 5-FU/LV/oxaliplatinbolus fluorouracil and low-dose leucovorin with oxaliplatin