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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 09/18/2009
  • Updated: 03/07/2011

CMF

This page contains brief information about the drug combination called CMF. The drugs in the combination are listed, and links to individual drug summaries are included.

Drugs in the CMF combination:

C = Cyclophosphamide 1
M = Methotrexate 2
F = Fluorouracil 3

Chemotherapy is often given as a combination of drugs. Combinations usually work better than single drugs because different drugs kill cancer cells in different ways.

Each of the drugs in this combination is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cancer or conditions related to cancer.

Use in Cancer

CMF is used to treat:

More About CMF

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 4 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

breast cancer (brest KAN-ser)
Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
chemotherapy (KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells.
combination chemotherapy (KOM-bih-NAY-shun KEE-moh-THAYR-uh-pee)
Treatment using more than one anticancer drug.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
Food and Drug Administration (... ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/cyclophosphamide
2http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/methotrexate
3http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/fluorouracil
4http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=39060
5http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
6http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
7http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
8http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access