Tegafur and uracil (UFT)

Note: this drug combination is not FDA approved but is used widely in other countries.

General information

Class/mechanism: Contains a fixed molar ratio (4:1) of uracil to tegafur. Tegafur is metabolized in vivo to Fluorouracil (5-FU), which is a pyrimidine analog antimetabolite that is metabolized to 5-fluoro-2'-deoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP) and 5-fluorouridine triphosphate (FUTP). FdUMP inhibits DNA synthesis by binding to thymidylate synthase and inhibiting production of thymidylate; FUTP interferes with RNA processing when it is mistakenly incorporated in place of uridine triphosphate (UTP). Uracil helps to maintain intracellular levels of Fluorouracil (5-FU) by inhibiting its degradation.
Route: PO
Extravasation: n/a

For conciseness and simplicity, HemOnc.org currently will focus on treatment regimens and not list information such as: renal/hepatic dose adjustments, metabolism (including CYP450), excretion, monitoring parameters (although this will be considered for checklists), or manufacturer. Instead, for the most current information, please refer to your preferred pharmacopeias such as Micromedex, Lexicomp, UpToDate (courtesy of Lexicomp), or the prescribing information.

Diseases for which it is used

• Colon cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Head and neck cancer
• Non-small cell lung cancer
• Rectal cancer

Patient drug information

• Uracil-tegafur (UFT) patient information site
• Macmillan Uracil-tegafur (UFT) patient information

Also known as

• Generic name: tegafur-uracil
• Brand names: Ftorafur, Luporal, Tefudex, Ufur, Uftoral, Uracel