Last reviewed · How we verify

Placebo + Capecitabine

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · Phase 3 active Small molecule

Capecitabine is a prodrug that converts to fluorouracil in tumor tissue, inhibiting thymidylate synthase to disrupt DNA synthesis and induce cancer cell death.

Capecitabine is a prodrug that converts to fluorouracil in tumor tissue, inhibiting thymidylate synthase to disrupt DNA synthesis and induce cancer cell death. Used for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Metastatic breast cancer, Gastric cancer.

At a glance

Generic namePlacebo + Capecitabine
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University
Drug classFluoropyrimidine antimetabolite
TargetThymidylate synthase
ModalitySmall molecule
Therapeutic areaOncology
PhasePhase 3

Mechanism of action

Capecitabine is an oral fluoropyrimidine carbamate that is metabolized preferentially in tumor tissue to its active form, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). 5-FU inhibits thymidylate synthase, blocking dTMP synthesis and disrupting DNA replication, while also incorporating into RNA to disrupt protein synthesis. This combination of mechanisms leads to apoptosis in rapidly dividing cancer cells.

Approved indications

Common side effects

Key clinical trials

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

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