The vital role of education and information in patients receiving capecitabine (Xeloda).

Use of oral capecitabine (Xeloda) as home-based therapy leads to savings in healthcare resources and costs and oral chemotherapy is preferred by many cancer patients over intravenous (i.v.) 5-FU. The demands of patient management for oral therapy differ significantly from those of i.v. chemotherapy. Consequently, cancer programmes have begun to implement strategies to meet these unique demands, offer educational programmes for clinicians who prescribe capecitabine, and consider potential changes in staff responsibilities. To encourage patients to take an active part in their care, which is vital with home-based oral therapy, they must be properly informed about their treatment. Patient information needs to be specific for the cancer type and relevant for the country. Various tools have been developed, including prescription guides, diary cards and support kits, which are useful in reinforcing verbal discussions about the use of capecitabine and in helping patients to manage their treatment. Nurses have a vital role to play in encouraging the optimal use of capecitabine and prompt management of adverse events, thereby enabling the patient to achieve a better clinical outcome and maintain an improved quality of life in the home environment.