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Reproductive side effects of fluorouracil

Buhe Nashuna, Gerile Narena, Qiujuan Baia, Na Fana, Jiaojiao Guoa

Chemotherapy has greatly extended the life span of cancer patients. However, the drugs used in chemotherapy often induce un-ignorable side effects. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) has been widely used as a chemotherapeutic agent in the clinical treatment of various cancers and many studies showed its adverse effect on reproduction. Reproductive toxicity of 5-FU often associates with developmental block, malformation and ovarian damage in the females. In the males, 5-FU administration alters the morphology of sexual organs, the levels of reproductive endocrine hormones and the progresses of spermatogenesis, ultimately reducing sperm numbers. However, some studies suggested that the toxicity of 5-FU on reproduction is reversible and certain drugs used in combination with 5-FU during chemotherapy could protect reproductive systems from 5-FU both in females and males. Herein, we summarize and discuss the reproductive toxicity of 5-FU and provide a reference for future research and clinical treatment.