Overview of the changing paradigm in cancer treatment: Oral chemotherapy

While bioavailability studies are often an integral part of developing oral agents, their comparisons with parenteral forms are less well documented. However, studies comparing intravenous 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) with oral 5-FU prodrugs have demonstrated that efficacy, safety, and quality of life are not compromised by the use of oral therapy. Finally, these studies, as well as others, reveal patients prefer the oral route of administration.