Current Status of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring of 5-Fluorouracil Prodrugs

Abstract

In recent years, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of intravenous administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has resulted in reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. Prodrugs of 5-FU were developed to reduce toxicity, extend the duration of action, and increase tumour selectivity of 5-FU. These drugs are important in daily practice because of their ease of administration. Dose adjustment of 5-FU prodrugs by TDM is expected to reduce its toxicity and improve its efficacy. This review focuses on data from a recent study of personalized treatment using TDM of 5-FU and its prodrugs.

Keywords: 5-FU prodrugs; capecitabine; personalized treatment; review; therapeutic drug monitoring.