National Cancer Institute National Cancer Institute
U.S. National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute
Dictionary of Cancer Terms
Send to Printer
folinic acid (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.

Previous Definitions:focal, folate, folate antagonist, FOLFOX, folic acid
Next Definitions:follicle, follicular large cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, follicular mixed cell lymphoma, follicular thyroid cancer