Capecitabine: A Promising Anticancer Drug

Review Article

Abstract

Capecitabine, a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), has emerged as a cornerstone in the treatment of various solid tumors, particularly colorectal, breast, and gastric cancers. Its unique mechanism of action involves conversion into 5-FU preferentially in tumor cells through a series of metabolic steps. This selective activation minimizes systemic toxicity while maximizing anticancer efficacy. In addition to its role as a single-agent therapy, capecitabine has demonstrated substantial efficacy in combination regimens, further enhancing its versatility in clinical practice. This review provides an overview of the pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of capecitabine across different malignancies. Furthermore, the evolving trends of precision oncology and the potential implications of biomarker-driven approaches in optimizing capecitabine-based therapies are explained. Despite its proven efficacy, capecitabine is associated with manageable adverse effects, including hand-foot syndrome, gastrointestinal disturbances, and myelosuppression. Strategies for mitigating these toxicities are also explored. Additionally, the review highlights ongoing research efforts aimed at elucidating predictive biomarkers for patient selection and identifying novel therapeutic combinations to further improve outcomes. Overall, capecitabine stands as a potential candidate for personalized treatment and could be a significant anticancer drug in the era of precision medicine