Continuous Intravenous Administration of l-(2-Tetrahydrofuryl)-5-Fluorouracil [FT] by Intravenous Hyperalimentation (IVH) -- Stability of FT in IVH Solution and Tumor Levels of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) --

The continuous intravenous administration of l-(2-tetrahydrofuryl)-5-fluorouracil(FT) to colorectal cancer patients was studied in regard tothe stability of FT in intravenous hyperalimentation (IVH) solutionsand tumor levels of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). FT was very compatiblewith IVH solutions, because the decomposition of FT in IVH solutionwas very low, 3%. High levels of 5-FU, which is an active metaboliteof FT, were obtained in the tumors, averaging 0.369 mcg/g. Theratios of 5-FU levels in the tumor to those in serum and normaltissues were 13.6 and 3.7. respectively. The difference in 5-FUlevels between normal tissues and the tumors was statisticallysignificant (P<0.01). Therefore, continuous intravenous administrationof FT should be widely used to treat patients with colorectalcancer, as the method of administration of antitumor agents.