Oral HCFU for prevention of hepatic metastasis in an experimental colorectal carcinoma

Background: An animal experimental study was performed to clarify the preve ntive effect of oral HCFU (1-hexylcarbamoyl-5-fluorouracil) on hepatic meta stasis. Materials and Methods: A total of 180 BALB/C mice received intrapor tal injection of Colon26 cancer cells followed by oral daily administration of HCFU to 5 groups divided according to the dose of HCFU, ranging fr om 0 (controls) to 7.5mg/Kg for 21 days. These groups were independently assign ed to 3 sets to investigate survival rates and degree of hepatic metastasis . Results: Mean survivals in the treated groups were statistically longer t han the controls except the 7.5mg/Kg group. HCFU 7.5 and 5 mg/Kg groups sho wed the minimum liver weight on the 12(th) and 16(th) day, respectively the se were significantly smaller than those of controls (p< 0.0001 in both). C onclusion: It is considered that oral HCFU could effectively suppress hepat ic metastasis of the colon26 cancer cells and prolong the life of animals. This finding suggests the promising clinical application of oral HCFU for c olorectal cancer after curative resection.