The clinical utilization of 5-Fluorouracil and its therapeutic implications were
investigated at Al-Watani governmental hospital at Nablus (Palestine). The drug and
disease profiles of one hundred and thirty patients suffering from various types of
cancers were studied. No correlation was noticed between gender and cancer in general
although such correlation might exist among patients with gastrointestinal tract (GIT)
cancers. Approximately one third (29%) of those patients were suffering from (GIT)
cancers especially colon and liver cancers. The majority (66%) of the patients with GIT
cancers were treated with 5-FU. Leucovorin (LV) was used by (68%) of patients
suffering from GIT cancers and were receiving 5-FU. Patients, in general, were not
exposed to poly-chemotherapy (2.6 drugs/patient). Strong pain killers like morphine
were used in approximately 24% of patients having GIT cancers. The utilization of 5-
FU and LV is in agreement to the general international recommendations especially
among patients with colon cancer. Further national studies are required to investigate
cost/effectiveness, dose and drug appropriateness among patients with malignant
diseases