Capecitabine: Oral Chemotherapy for Advanced Cancers

Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug used to treat various solid tumors, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric cancer, and cancers of the esophagus and pancreas. It belongs to the fluoropyrimidine class of anticancer medications and is metabolized in the body to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), its active form.

Primary Uses:

- Breast Cancer: Administered alone or with docetaxel for metastatic cases, especially in patients unresponsive to anthracyclines or taxanes.
- Colorectal & Rectal Cancer: Used post-surgery for stage III colon cancer or alongside other treatments for unresectable and metastatic cases.
- Gastric, Esophageal & Gastroesophageal Junction Cancers: Prescribed in combination therapy for patients with inoperable or HER2-positive metastatic tumors.
- Pancreatic Cancer: Given as adjuvant therapy to reduce recurrence after surgery.

Mechanism of Action:

Capecitabine targets rapidly dividing cancer cells by disrupting DNA synthesis. While effective against malignant cells, it may also impact healthy tissue.

Safety & Side Effects:

- Common: Abdominal discomfort, nausea, diarrhea, skin rashes, fatigue.
- Serious: Cardiomyopathy, blood disorders, allergic reactions, and increased clotting risks.
- Use during pregnancy is contraindicated due to potential harm to the fetus.