BACKGROUND:: Fluorouracil (FU) is an antimetabolite with activity against numerous types
of neoplasms, including those of the breast, esophagus, larynx, and gastrointestinal and
genitourinary tracts. Systemic toxicity, including neutropenia, stomatitis, and diarrhea, often
occur due to cytotoxic nonselectivity. Capecitabine was developed as a prodrug of FU, with
the goal of improving tolerability and intratumor drug concentrations through tumor-specific
conversion to the active drug. OBJECTIVES:: The purpose of this article is to review the …