UFT + polysaccharide K

UFT + polysaccharide K is a combination therapy consisting of two agents: - **UFT** (tegafur/uracil): an oral chemotherapy drug combining tegafur (a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil) and uracil (a dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase inhibitor) in a 4:1 molar ratio. Tegafur is converted to 5-fluorouracil in the liver, which inhibits DNA synthesis by targeting thymidylate synthase. Uracil increases the bioavailability and reduces the toxicity of 5-FU by inhibiting its degradation[3][5]. - **Polysaccharide K** (PSK): a protein-bound polysaccharide derived from the fungus Coriolus versicolor. It acts as an immunomodulator with antitumor properties, enhancing immune responses against cancer cells[6][4]. The combination has been studied primarily as adjuvant therapy for gastrointestinal cancers such as colorectal and gastric cancer. Clinical trials have shown mixed results regarding efficacy; some studies suggest improved survival when combined with chemotherapy, while others show no significant benefit over standard treatment[1][4][6]. The mechanism involves both direct cytotoxic effects on tumor cells via inhibition of DNA synthesis and immunomodulatory effects that may enhance antitumor immunity.

Other names

tegafur/uracil + polysaccharide KUFT + PSKtegafur-uracil + protein-bound polysaccharide K