Raltitrexed

Raltitrexed (Tomudex) is a chemotherapy drug used to treat metastatic colorectal cancer. It is an antimetabolite, which interferes with the growth of cancer cells. It works by blocking certain enzymes that are needed for cancer cells to grow and divide. Raltitrexed is usually given intravenously (IV) over a period of several hours. It is typically given in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. Side effects may include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, and low white blood cell count.

Raltitrexed is a medication used in chemotherapy to treat certain types of cancer. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Type of drug:

• Antimetabolite: Raltitrexed belongs to a class of drugs that interfere with the growth and replication of cancer cells [2].

Mechanism of action:

• Thymidylate synthase inhibitor: It specifically targets an enzyme called thymidylate synthase, which is essential for DNA synthesis in cells [2, 3].
• Blocks DNA synthesis: By inhibiting thymidylate synthase, Raltitrexed prevents cancer cells from making DNA, hindering their growth and division [2, 3].

Conditions treated:

• Primarily used for advanced colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) [2, 4].
• May also be considered for other types of cancer as determined by a doctor [2].

Brand name:

• Raltitrexed is sold under the brand name Tomudex [2].

Administration:

• It is administered intravenously (through a vein) [3].

Important to note:

• Raltitrexed can cause side effects, so it's crucial to discuss these with your doctor before starting treatment [2].
• It's not a first-line treatment for all colorectal cancers and may have different uses depending on the specific case [4].