Capecitabine is a cytostatic – a drug that inhibits cell growth and cell division. It is used to treat various types of cancer, such as breast cancer, stomach cancer and bowel cancer.
Capecitabine and the benefit of DNA analysis
The rate at which capecitabine is processed within your body varies from one individual to another. This means that the efficacy and side effects of capecitabine can be predicted to some extent on the basis of your genes.
Preventive DNA analysis can therefore be an important tool in optimising your medication.
Capecitabine and the enzyme DPD
Capecitabine is processed to a large extent by the enzyme DPD.
The activity of this enzyme can vary considerably depending on your genetic predisposition, which means the efficacy of capecitabine can also differ from person to person.
Information about your genetic predisposition may therefore provide grounds for extra vigilance in relation to a treatment with capecitabine.
Read more about DPD enzyme »
Also known as
Xeloda, Capecitabin, Capecitabina, Capecitabinum