Emerging new therapeutic applications of capecitabine as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent in the management of advanced carcinomas other than colorectal carcinoma

• Main Author: Kapoor S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2012-05-01
• Series: Cancer Management and Research
• Online Access: http://www.dovepress.com/emerging-new-therapeutic-applications-of-capecitabine-as-a-first-line--a9861

Shailendra KapoorRichmond, VA, USAI read with great interest the recent article by Hameed et al in a recent issue of your journal.1 The article is very interesting. Interestingly, the past few years have seen the emergence of capecitabine as a highly potent first-line chemotherapeutic agent against advanced systemic carcinomas other than colorectal carcinoma. For instance, capecitabine has recently been used successfully as a first-line monotherapeutic agent for HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer.2 Cotherapy with agents such as sorafenib and paclitaxel for HER-2-negative metastatic breast cancer has also been recently used first-line, and significantly improves progressionfree survival, in addition to being very safe.3,4 Similarly, in patients with advanced gastric carcinoma, capecitabine has been used successfully as first-line therapy in combination with agents such as cisplatin.5 The XELOX regimen comprising capecitabine in conjunction with oxaliplatin is another recent highly effective alternative for gastric carcinoma.6 The modified XELIRI regimen compromising capecitabine and irinotecan is a further option for advanced and unresectable gastric carcinoma.7View original paper by Hameed and colleagues.