Clinical status of capecitabine in the treatment of breast cancer.

New treatment strategies for advanced breast cancer have focused on both the development of new molecular targets in breast cancer cells, as well as improving the therapeutic index of presently available therapy. The development of capecitabine (Xeloda), a new oral fluoropyrimidine, is an example of a chemotherapy drug that has single-agent activity in heavily pretreated patients with advanced breast cancer, with the added convenience of good oral bioavailability. Capecitabine is an excellent treatment option for patients who require symptom palliation and who prefer oral medications. The discussion that follows reviews the clinical data on the use of capecitabine in advanced breast cancer.