Last reviewed · How we verify

FOLFOX chemotherapy regimens

Sixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University · Phase 3 active Small molecule

FOLFOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen that uses 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin to inhibit thymidylate synthase and DNA synthesis, combined with oxaliplatin to create DNA crosslinks and prevent replication.

FOLFOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen that uses 5-fluorouracil and leucovorin to inhibit thymidylate synthase and DNA synthesis, combined with oxaliplatin to create DNA crosslinks and prevent replication. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer, Gastric cancer.

At a glance

Generic nameFOLFOX chemotherapy regimens
Also known asCapeOx regimens
SponsorSixth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
Drug classCombination chemotherapy regimen
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

FOLFOX (5-Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Oxaliplatin) is a multi-drug chemotherapy regimen where 5-FU acts as an antimetabolite that disrupts nucleotide synthesis, leucovorin enhances 5-FU activity by stabilizing its binding to thymidylate synthase, and oxaliplatin is a platinum-based alkylating agent that forms DNA adducts. Together, these agents work synergistically to induce apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape: