NCIt definition : A derivative of folic acid with chemoprotectant, antidote and synergistic activity.
Leucovorin does not require metabolism by dihydrofolate reductase, the molecular target
of folate antagonist-type chemotherapeutic drugs, and is converted to a tetrahydrofolate,
which is the necessary folate for purine and pyrimidine synthesis. As this agent allows
for some purine/pyrimidine synthesis to occur, the toxic effects of folic acid antagonist-type
chemotherapeutic drugs are counteracted while still permitting the antitumor activity
of the folic acid antagonist through dihydrofolate reductase inhibition. This agent
also potentiates the effects of 5-fluorouracil and its derivatives by stabilizing
the binding of 5-fluorouracil's converted form fluorodeoxyuridylic acid to its target
enzyme thymidylate synthase, thus prolonging drug activity.;
Alternative definition : NCI-GLOSS: The active ingredient in a drug used to lessen the toxic effects of substances
that block the action of folic acid, especially the anticancer drug methotrexate.
Folinic acid is used to treat some types of anemia and is also used with fluorouracil
to treat colorectal cancer. It is also being studied in the treatment of other types
of cancer and other conditions. Folinic acid is a form of folic acid. It is a type
of chemoprotective agent and a type of chemosensitizing agent.;
UNII : Q573I9DVLP;
InChIKey : VVIAGPKUTFNRDU-ABLWVSNPSA-N;
CAS number : 58-05-9;
Chemical formula : C20H23N7O7;
ChEBI ID : CHEBI:15640;
Codes from synonyms : CDR0000613202; CDR0000045750; 229;