[Biochemical modulation of 5-FU with interferon].

A phase II clinical trials of the combination of 5-FU and interferon (IFN) were reviewed. The treatment regimen was based on the method reported by Scott Wadler, et al: 5-FU was administrated as continuous infusion at 750 mg/m2/day for 5 consecutive days and as intravenous bolus at 750 mg/m2 weekly for 7 weeks beginning on day 12. IFN was administrated subcutaneously at 9 x 10(6) I.U three times a week during weeks 1 to 8. Although the mechanism of action remains to be elucidated, some studies in immunological, pharmacokinetics, or biochemical viewpoint were reported. In this paper, the mechanisms of action related to TS and TK were introduced in biochemical viewpoint. Furthermore, side effects of IFN/5-FU combination and dual modulation of 5-FU with IFN and LV were referred.