Capecitabine: Treatment options in metastatic breast cancer

Virginia G. Kaklamani, William J. Gradishar

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Capecitabine (Xeloda®) is an orally administered chemotherapeutic agent, widely used for metastatic breast cancer treatment. Preclinical and clinical studies demonstrate selective enzymatic conversion of capecitabine into 5-fluorouracil, a potent cytotoxic agent within malignant tumors. Capecitabine is the only cytotoxic agent without cumulative toxicity and it exhibits synergistic activity when used in combination with a wide range of other cytotoxic and biologic agents. Capecitabine monotherapy results in an objective response rate of 15-37% in patients with metastatic breast cancer in the adjuvant setting. A combination regimen of capecitabine with docetaxel (Taxotere®) improves overall survival in metastatic breast cancer compared with docetaxel monotherapy. Treatment-refractory, heavily pretreated and elderly patients have experienced positive outcomes with capecitabine, demonstrating its utility in diverse populations. Multiple trials suggest that initiating capecitabine treatment with lower daily doses may improve its safety and tolerability profile without compromising efficacy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)367-376
Number of pages10
JournalExpert Review of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Volume4
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 2009
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • 5-fluorouracil
  • Capecitabine
  • Combination therapy
  • Docetaxel
  • Metastatic breast cancer
  • Monotherapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Reproductive Medicine
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology
  • Maternity and Midwifery

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