Fluorouracil

Overview

4.6 out of 5 (17 Reviews)

Credits

1.50

Post Assessment Questions

6

Start Date

1 Jan 2021

Last Review Date

16 Feb 2024

Expiration Date

31 Dec 2023

Estimated Time To Finish

90 Minutes


 
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Activity Description

Fluorouracil, also known as 5-fluorouracil or 5-FU, belongs to the class of chemotherapy drugs used to treat various neoplasms. Systemic fluorouracil is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, breast adenocarcinoma, and colorectal adenocarcinoma. In addition, topical fluorouracil (5%) is FDA-approved for managing dermatologic conditions such as multiple actinic or solar keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinomas in cases where alternative methods are not feasible. Off-label uses of systemic fluorouracil include anal carcinoma, advanced biliary tract carcinoma, cervical cancer, and esophageal cancer.

Upon ingestion or topical application, fluorouracil enters cells through a facilitated transport mechanism and undergoes conversion into fluorodeoxyuridine monophosphate (FdUMP). FdUMP then forms complexes with the enzyme thymidylate synthase, thereby inhibiting the production of deoxythymidine monophosphate (dTMP). As dTMP is crucial for DNA replication and repair, its depletion causes an imbalance in intracellular nucleotides, ultimately resulting in the generation of double-stranded DNA breaks facilitated by the enzyme endonuclease. This activity outlines the indications, mechanism of action, and contraindications of fluorouracil as a valuable agent for treating a spectrum of visceral and dermatologic malignancies. This activity particularly emphasizes the adverse event profile and other significant factors of fluorouracil, such as off-label uses, highlighting the crucial and collaborative efforts of the interprofessional healthcare team in the management of various malignancies.


Target Audience

This activity has been designed to meet the educational needs of physicians.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, the learner will be better able to:

  • Identify appropriate patient populations for fluorouracil therapy based on indications approved by the FDA.

  • Implement proper dosage adjustments and administration techniques for fluorouracil based on individual patient factors.

  • Apply evidence-based guidelines and clinical protocols to guide decision-making regarding the use of fluorouracil in various neoplastic conditions.

  • Collaborate with interprofessional healthcare team members to optimize patient care and safety during fluorouracil treatment.

Disclosures

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) requires instructors, planners, managers, and other individuals who are in a position to control the content of this activity to disclose any real or apparent conflict of interest they or their immediate family may have as related to the content of this activity. All identified conflicts of interest are thoroughly vetted by CUSOM for resolution, to ensure fair balance, scientific objectivity of studies mentioned in the materials or used as the basis for content, and appropriateness of patient care recommendations.

CUSOM will identify, review, and resolve all conflicts of interest that faculty, authors, activity directors, planners, managers, peer reviewers, or relevant staff disclose prior to an educational activity being delivered to learners. Disclosure of a relationship is not intended to suggest or condone bias in any presentation but is made to provide participants with information that might be of potential importance to their evaluation of a presentation. Disclosure information for authors, editors, planners, peer reviewers, and/or relevant staff is provided with this activity.

Continuing Education Accreditation Information

 

 

The Campbell University Jerry M. Wallace School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM) is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association to provide osteopathic continuing medical education for physicians. CUSOM designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.50 AOA Category 1 B Credits and will report CME credits commensurate with the extent of the physician's participation in the activity.

Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received in writing and a money back guarantee is provided if not completely satisfied.

  • StatPearls and CUSOM reserve the right to cancel any course due to unforeseen circumstances. StatPearls and CUSOM will not be responsible for other expenses incurred by the participant in the unlikely event that the program is canceled.

Equal Opportunity

  • StatPearls and CUSOM are Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Equal Access Institutions. 

Medium or Media Used:

  • Computer Requirements:  Internet Access
  • E-mail Address

Instructions for Credit

  1. Register for the activity and create a StatPearls login.     
  2. Review the required accreditation information:  Target audience, learning objectives and disclosure information.
  3. Complete the entire self-study activity.
  4. Complete the post-test assessments.
  5. Successfully pass the post-test with a minimum score of 100%.
  6. Complete the evaluation form.
  7. Obtain a certificate.

StatPearls and CUSOM adheres to AOA Standards regarding commercial support of continuing medical education. It is the policy of StatPearls and Campbell that the faculty and planning committee disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, that relevant conflict(s) of interest are resolved and also that authors and editors will disclose any unlabeled/unapproved use of drug(s) or device(s) during their presentation. Detailed disclosure will be made prior to starting the activity.

The information provided at this CME/CE activity is for continuing education purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the independent medical/clinical judgment of a healthcare provider relative to diagnostic and treatment options of a specific patient’s medical condition.

This course is intended for osteopathic physicians who wish to earn AOA CME credit. Take this version of the course to ensure you receive appropriate credit.

 

 
 

Reviews

john e. on 3/23/2022

Diane L. on 6/2/2022

Christy M. on 6/14/2022

Shannon j. on 7/26/2022

Li Mei L. on 1/3/2023

Anne R. on 1/12/2023

on 2/13/2023

Jamie K. on 4/23/2023

Jane C. on 7/10/2023

Van J. on 8/23/2023

barbara h. on 9/17/2023

Linda G. on 12/16/2023

Great review.

Richard P. on 12/24/2023

James T. on 12/26/2023

Martin B. on 12/28/2023

Sam A. on 3/9/2024

douglas t. on 3/19/2024

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