folinic acid
All > Medicine > Cancer
- (foh-LIN-ik A-sid) The active ingredient in a drug used to reduce the toxic effects of folic acid antagonists (substances that block the action of folic acid), especially the anticancer drug methotrexate. It is also used to treat anemia and it is used with fluorouracil to treat symptoms of advanced 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, a B-complex vitamin that the body needs to make red blood cells and to function and stay healthy. Folinic acid is a type of chemoprotective agent and a type of chemosensitizing agent. Also called Citrovorum factor and leucovorin.
National Cancer Institute - Cite This Source - This Definition - calcium levoleucovorin, chemosensitizer, Citrovorum factor, FOLFOX, leucovorin, leucovorin calcium, Wellcovorin