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XELODA [capecitabine]

Hoffmann-La Roche · FDA-approved active Small molecule

XELODA [capecitabine] is a Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite Small molecule drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche. It is currently FDA-approved for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Metastatic breast cancer, Gastric cancer.

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 nameXELODA [capecitabine]
SponsorHoffmann-La Roche
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). Once activated, 5-FU 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

Competitive intelligence

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Frequently asked questions about XELODA [capecitabine]

What is XELODA [capecitabine]?

XELODA [capecitabine] is a Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite drug developed by Hoffmann-La Roche, indicated for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Metastatic breast cancer, Gastric cancer.

How does XELODA [capecitabine] work?

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.

What is XELODA [capecitabine] used for?

XELODA [capecitabine] is indicated for Metastatic colorectal cancer, Metastatic breast cancer, Gastric cancer, Pancreatic cancer.

Who makes XELODA [capecitabine]?

XELODA [capecitabine] is developed and marketed by Hoffmann-La Roche (see full Hoffmann-La Roche pipeline at /company/roche).

What drug class is XELODA [capecitabine] in?

XELODA [capecitabine] belongs to the Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite class. See all Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite drugs at /class/fluoropyrimidine-antimetabolite.

What development phase is XELODA [capecitabine] in?

XELODA [capecitabine] is FDA-approved (marketed).

What are the side effects of XELODA [capecitabine]?

Common side effects of XELODA [capecitabine] include Hand-foot skin reaction (palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia), Diarrhea, Nausea, Vomiting, Stomatitis, Fatigue.

What does XELODA [capecitabine] target?

XELODA [capecitabine] targets Thymidylate synthase and is a Fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite.

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