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Capecitabine or gemcitabine

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Both capecitabine and gemcitabine are nucleoside analogs that inhibit DNA synthesis by interfering with nucleotide metabolism, leading to cancer cell death.

Both capecitabine and gemcitabine are nucleoside analogs that inhibit DNA synthesis by interfering with nucleotide metabolism, leading to cancer cell death. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer (capecitabine), Metastatic breast cancer (capecitabine), Pancreatic cancer (gemcitabine).

At a glance

Generic nameCapecitabine or gemcitabine
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon
Drug classAntimetabolite chemotherapy agents
TargetThymidylate synthase (capecitabine); Ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase (gemcitabine)
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Capecitabine is a prodrug converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tumor tissue, where it inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into DNA/RNA. Gemcitabine is a deoxycytidine analog that inhibits ribonucleotide reductase and DNA polymerase, causing chain termination. Both are antimetabolite chemotherapy agents used in various solid tumors.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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SourceUsed for
ClinicalTrials.govTrial enrolment, design, endpoints, results

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