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CAPOX chemotherapy
CAPOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen that uses capecitabine and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and induce cell death in cancer cells.
CAPOX is a combination chemotherapy regimen that uses capecitabine and oxaliplatin to inhibit DNA synthesis and induce cell death in cancer cells. Used for Colorectal cancer (metastatic and adjuvant settings), Gastric cancer, Pancreatic cancer.
At a glance
| Generic name | CAPOX chemotherapy |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Capecitabine plus oxaliplatin, oxaliplatin and capecitabine |
| Sponsor | Sun Yat-sen University |
| Drug class | Combination chemotherapy (fluoropyrimidine + platinum agent) |
| Target | Thymidylate synthase (capecitabine/5-FU); DNA (oxaliplatin) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Oncology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
Capecitabine is a fluoropyrimidine carbamate that is converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which inhibits thymidylate synthase and disrupts DNA synthesis. Oxaliplatin is a third-generation platinum compound that forms DNA adducts and cross-links, preventing DNA replication and transcription. Together, these agents provide synergistic cytotoxic effects against rapidly dividing cancer cells.
Approved indications
- Colorectal cancer (metastatic and adjuvant settings)
- Gastric cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Common side effects
- Neutropenia
- Diarrhea
- Nausea/vomiting
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
Key clinical trials
- A Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Pumitamig in Combination With Chemotherapy Versus Bevacizumab in Combination With Chemotherapy in Participants With Previously Untreated, Unresectable, or Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- A Study of Zanidatamab in Combination With Chemotherapy Plus or Minus Tislelizumab in Patients With HER2-positive Advanced or Metastatic Gastric and Esophageal Cancers (PHASE3)
- Perioperative Systemic Therapy for Isolated Resectable Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of Radiotherapy to the Usual Treatment (Chemotherapy) for Patients With Esophageal and Gastric Cancer That Has Spread to a Limited Number of Other Places in the Body (PHASE3)
- Testing the Addition of Paclitaxel Administered Into the Abdominal Cavity Combined With Chemotherapy for Patients With Gastric Cancer Spread to the Abdominal Cavity (PHASE2, PHASE3)
- Capecitabine/Oxaliplatin Chemotherapy and Cemiplimab With or Without Fianlimab or REGN7075 in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer (PHASE2)
- SAMe in Prevention of Oxaliplatin-associated Liver Injury (PHASE2)
- Substudy 06C: A Study of Investigational Agents With Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) and Chemotherapy in Participants With First-Line Locally Advanced Unresectable/Metastatic Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma (MK-3475-06C/KEYMAKER-U06) (PHASE1, PHASE2)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- CAPOX chemotherapy CI brief — competitive landscape report
- CAPOX chemotherapy updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Sun Yat-sen University portfolio CI