Floxuridine
Floxuridine is an antimetabolite chemotherapy medication used primarily to treat metastatic cancer that has spread to the liver, particularly from colorectal cancer. It is typically administered via regional infusion directly into the hepatic artery, allowing for higher drug concentrations at the tumor site while minimizing systemic exposure. This medication is reserved for use in specialized oncology settings where close monitoring is available.
Floxuridine is a chemotherapy drug used mainly for liver metastases from colorectal cancer, delivered directly to the tumor via regional arterial infusion.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01BC09
- RxNorm
- 4488
- Generic
- Floxuridine
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- unsafe
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Floxuridine is primarily used for hepatic (liver) metastases, most commonly from colorectal cancer. It may also be used for other gastrointestinal cancers and certain solid tumors when regional delivery is appropriate. Treatment decisions are made by oncologists based on tumor location, extent of disease, and patient factors.
Floxuridine is a fluorinated pyrimidine analog that interferes with DNA and RNA synthesis. Once converted to its active form, it inhibits thymidylate synthase (an enzyme essential for DNA replication) and gets incorporated into DNA and RNA, disrupting cell division and growth of cancer cells.
Common side effects include bone marrow suppression (low blood counts), mucositis, diarrhea, nausea, and liver enzyme elevations. When given via hepatic arterial infusion, there is risk of biliary sclerosis and gastric ulcers. Regular blood count monitoring is essential during treatment. This medication should only be administered by healthcare professionals experienced in chemotherapy.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy