tegafur + apatinib

Tegafur + apatinib is an investigational combination therapy consisting of two small molecule drugs used primarily in the treatment of advanced cancers, particularly gastric cancer and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Tegafur is a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), functioning as an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent that inhibits DNA synthesis by interfering with thymidylate synthase. Apatinib is a selective inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2), acting as an antiangiogenic agent to block tumor blood vessel formation. The combination aims to leverage the cytotoxic effects of tegafur with the antiangiogenic properties of apatinib, resulting in improved response rates and progression-free survival compared to monotherapy, though it may also increase adverse events and impact quality of life[2][3][7].