Last reviewed · How we verify
FOLFOX or
FOLFOX is a chemotherapy regimen combining 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and cross-link DNA in cancer cells.
FOLFOX is a chemotherapy regimen combining 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and cross-link DNA in cancer cells. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer, Advanced gastric cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | FOLFOX or |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Eloxatin (oxaliplatin), leucovorin (folinic acid) and 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) |
| Sponsor | Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology |
| Drug class | Combination chemotherapy regimen |
| Target | Thymidylate synthase (5-FU); DNA (oxaliplatin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
FOLFOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen where 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) inhibits thymidylate synthase to disrupt nucleotide synthesis, leucovorin enhances 5-FU activity by stabilizing its target enzyme, and oxaliplatin acts as a platinum-based alkylating agent that forms DNA cross-links. Together, these agents work synergistically to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells by preventing DNA replication and inducing apoptosis.
Approved indications
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Adjuvant treatment of stage III colon cancer
- Advanced gastric cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Mucositis
- Fatigue
Key clinical trials
- Study of Chemotherapy, With or Without Binimetinib in Advanced Biliary Tract Cancers in 2nd Line Setting (A ComboMATCH Treatment Trial) (PHASE2)
- Clinical Trial of an Anti-cancer Drug, CA-4948 (Emavusertib), in Combination With Chemotherapy Treatment (FOLFOX Plus Bevacizumab) in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PHASE1)
- HAIC Plus Systemic Therapy as De-escalation Therapy Strategy for Biliary Tract Cancer (NA)
- A Study to Evaluate the Adverse Events, Efficacy, and Optimal Dose of Intravenous (IV) ABBV-400 in Combination With IV Fluorouracil, Leucovorin, and Budigalimab in Adult Participants With Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, or Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (PHASE2)
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pumitamig in Combination With Chemotherapy Versus Bevacizumab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Participants With Previously Untreated, Unresectable, or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Combination of Immune Checkpoint in Locally Advanced or Metastatic MSI/dMMR Esogastric Adenocarcinomas (PHASE3)
- Perioperative Systemic Therapy for Isolated Resectable Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Open-Label Study of BBO-10203 in Subjects With Advanced Solid Tumors (PHASE1)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial 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:
- FOLFOX or CI brief — competitive landscape report
- FOLFOX or updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology portfolio CI