Abstract
The use of radiation therapy combined with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in the treatment of pancreatic cancer has been well established. It has been hypothesized that any benefit from combined 5-FU and radiation has been due to radiosensitization. Improved therapy could result from a better understanding of the mechanism of radiosensitization and the development of compounds capable of providing better radiosensitization. This article reviews preclinical findings on the mechanism of cytotoxicity and radiosensitization for 5-FU, fluorodeoxyuridine, thymidine analogs, and gemcitabine (2',2'-difluorodeoxycytidine) and discusses the clinical implications of these findings.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / administration & dosage*
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Bromodeoxyuridine / administration & dosage
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Combined Modality Therapy
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Deoxycytidine / administration & dosage
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Deoxycytidine / analogs & derivatives
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Floxuridine / administration & dosage
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Fluorouracil / administration & dosage
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Gemcitabine
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Idoxuridine / administration & dosage
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / drug therapy*
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Pancreatic Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
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Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / administration & dosage*
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Tumor Cells, Cultured
Substances
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Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic
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Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
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Floxuridine
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Deoxycytidine
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Bromodeoxyuridine
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Idoxuridine
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Fluorouracil
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Gemcitabine