title: Pharmacokinetic evaluation of  capecitabine  in breast cancer.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Capecitabine , an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), is adsorbed in its intact form through the intestine and metabolized to 5-FU in tumour cells. In metastatic breast cancer (MBC), capecitabine is an effective and well-tolerated therapeutic option both in monotherapy and in combination with chemotherapeutic or molecular-targeted agents.
  
  
  METHODS
  We summarized data on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of capecitabine. We also produced a general review of the most relevant clinical studies of capecitabine in MBC. A literature search was performed using PubMed database including selected articles published in English language up to October 2012.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The unique pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic features represent the bases of the reduced toxicity and the activity of capecitabine in several tumours. Although during the past 10 years there has been an increasing use of this drug in MBC both as single agent and in combination, encouraging results of well tolerated and active combinations with novel agents will lead to a more extensive and protracted use of capecitabine. In view of this, some aspects should be further clarified such as the optimal starting dose and the introduction of alternative schedules of treatment.
authors.affiliation: Clinical Trials Unit, INT-Fondazione Pascale, Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: Gennaro
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Daniele
authors.forename: Marianna
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Gallo
authors.forename: Maria Carmela
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Piccirillo
authors.forename: Pasqualina
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Giordano
authors.forename: Amelia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Alessio
authors.forename: Antonia
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Del Giudice
authors.forename: Maria Libera
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: La Porta
authors.forename: Francesco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Perrone
authors.forename: Nicola
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Normanno
authors.forename: Antonella
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: De Luca
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D000069287:Capecitabine; D003841:Deoxycytidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D005472:Fluorouracil / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D011355:Prodrugs / Q000493:pharmacokinetics* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends
chemical_list: D000964:Antimetabolites, Antineoplastic; D011355:Prodrugs; D003841:Deoxycytidine; D000069287:Capecitabine; D005472:Fluorouracil