5-Fluorodihydropyrimidine-2,4-dione 13C,15N2

5-Fluorodihydropyrimidine-2,4-dione 13C,15N2, also known as 5-FU, is a chemotherapy drug used to treat several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and stomach cancers. It works by inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and preventing them from dividing. Chemically, 5-FU is a pyrimidine analog, meaning it is structurally similar to the nucleic acid building blocks found in DNA and RNA. It is a fluorinated derivative of uracil, a naturally occurring nucleotide base. The addition of the fluorine atom makes 5-FU more potent and better able to target cancer cells. The 13C and 15N isotopes in the drug's chemical formula are used in nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to study the drug's interaction with cancer cells and other biological molecules. These isotopes make it easier to distinguish the drug from other molecules in a sample and allow for more precise analysis of its effects. While 5-FU can be effective in treating cancer, it can also have significant side effects. These can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and damage to the bone marrow, which can cause a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. It is important for patients to be monitored closely while receiving treatment with 5-FU to manage these side effects and ensure the drug is working as intended.