Last reviewed · How we verify
FOLFOX4s
FOLFOX4s is a chemotherapy regimen combining 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
FOLFOX4s is a chemotherapy regimen combining 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and induce apoptosis in cancer cells. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Adjuvant treatment of stage III colorectal cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | FOLFOX4s |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Chermotherapy, 5FU + Oxaliplatin + folinic acid |
| Sponsor | UNICANCER |
| Drug class | Chemotherapy regimen (combination of antimetabolite, folate analog, and platinum agent) |
| Target | Thymidylate synthase (5-FU), DNA (oxaliplatin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
FOLFOX4s is a modified version of the FOLFOX regimen used in colorectal cancer treatment. 5-fluorouracil acts as an antimetabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and incorporates into DNA/RNA, leucovorin enhances 5-FU activity by stabilizing its binding to the enzyme, and oxaliplatin is a platinum-based agent that forms DNA crosslinks. The combination targets rapidly dividing cancer cells through multiple mechanisms of DNA damage and replication inhibition.
Approved indications
- Metastatic colorectal cancer
- Adjuvant treatment of stage III colorectal cancer
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Mucositis
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.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |