FOLFIRI + FOLFOX4

FOLFIRI + FOLFOX4 refers to the sequential or combined use of two established chemotherapy regimens for colorectal cancer. - **FOLFIRI** consists of folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), and irinotecan. Folinic acid enhances the effect of 5-FU, which is a pyrimidine analog antimetabolite that inhibits DNA synthesis, while irinotecan is a topoisomerase I inhibitor that prevents DNA replication[2][7]. - **FOLFOX4** consists of folinic acid (leucovorin), fluorouracil (5-FU), and oxaliplatin. Oxaliplatin is a platinum-based agent causing DNA crosslinking and apoptosis in rapidly dividing cells[4][6]. The combination or sequence of these regimens is used primarily in metastatic colorectal cancer to maximize cytotoxic efficacy by targeting cancer cells through multiple mechanisms. Both regimens are standard-of-care options; their use may be alternated as first-line and second-line therapy depending on patient factors and prior treatments[1][5][6].

Other names

folinic acid + fluorouracil + irinotecan + folinic acid + fluorouracil + oxaliplatin