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Capecitabine tablets

UNICANCER · FDA-approved active Small molecule

Capecitabine is a prodrug that is converted to fluorouracil in tumor tissue, where it inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into DNA and RNA to disrupt cancer cell growth.

Capecitabine is a prodrug that is converted to fluorouracil in tumor tissue, where it inhibits thymidylate synthase and gets incorporated into DNA and RNA to disrupt cancer cell growth. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Metastatic breast cancer, Gastric cancer.

At a glance

Generic nameCapecitabine tablets
Also known asCapecitabine, Xeloda, Biogaran Capecitabine
SponsorUNICANCER
Drug classFluoropyrimidine antimetabolite
TargetThymidylate synthase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhaseFDA-approved

Mechanism of action

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate that undergoes hepatic and tissue-level enzymatic conversion to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). The active 5-FU metabolite inhibits thymidylate synthase, blocking dTMP synthesis and DNA replication, while also incorporating into RNA to disrupt protein synthesis. This mechanism preferentially affects rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

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