Used in research as a nucleoside analog, 5-Fluoro-2'-deoxycytidine is investigated for its potential in antiviral and anticancer therapies. It interferes with DNA synthesis by incorporating into DNA strands during replication, leading to chain termination or malfunction in rapidly dividing cells. This property makes it a candidate for targeting tumor cells in oncology research. It is also studied for its activity against certain DNA viruses, where it disrupts viral genome replication. Due to its mechanism, it serves as a building block in developing prodrugs and modified oligonucleotides for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.