Expanding the chemotherapeutic potential of an established nucleoside analog with selective targeting of telomerase

The identification of telomerase-mediated telomeric misincorporation of 5-fluoro-2ʹ-deoxyuridine (5-FdU) uncovered a unique approach to telomeric-based therapeutics. Additionally, identification of such a mechanism supports the utility of telomere maintenance mechanisms in guiding therapeutic decisions. Presented here is a unique perspective of 5-FdU and its clinical implications as a telomeric-based therapeutic.