What is the duration of the 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous infusion in the FOLFOX6 regimen?

In the FOLFOX6 regimen, which consists of oxaliplatin, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil, the continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil typically lasts for 46 hours. This prolonged infusion is intended to enhance the efficacy of 5-FU by maintaining therapeutic drug levels in the bloodstream over a longer period, allowing for better tumor targeting and improved cellular uptake.

The schedule supports the mechanism of action of 5-FU, which acts as an antimetabolite, inhibiting DNA synthesis and function. Extending the infusion duration helps to maximize the drug exposure to cancer cells and improve clinical outcomes in patients with colorectal cancer, the primary malignancy treated with the FOLFOX6 regimen.