Ana Paula Francisco – AEFFUL

Synthesis of 5-Fluorouracil-Based Hybrid Compounds:

Co-Orientadora: Maria Eduarda Mendes (FFUL)

Grupo imed: Medicinal Organic Chemistry

Colon cancer is the second leading cause of mortality of cancer worldwide1 .The 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an important option as adjuvant chemotherapy for colon cancer at stages II, III and IV alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs2. However, its short half-life, low response rates and the emergence of resistance demands the discovery of novel therapeutic strategies3.

This project aims to synthesize hybrid molecules combining two pharmacophores: a derivative of 5-FU and a triazene. Both moieties have anticancer properties and act through different and complementary mechanisms of action. With this strategy we want to increase 5-FU half-life, reduce effective doses, side effects and the emergence of resistance.