capecitabine + cyclophosphamide + epirubicin

Capecitabine + cyclophosphamide + epirubicin is a combination chemotherapy regimen used primarily in the treatment of early and locally advanced breast cancer, including triple-negative breast cancer. This regimen combines three agents with distinct mechanisms: - Capecitabine is an oral prodrug that is enzymatically converted to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in tumor tissue, where it inhibits DNA synthesis by interfering with thymidylate synthase, leading to impaired cell division and tumor growth. - Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent that crosslinks DNA strands, preventing cell replication and leading to apoptosis. - Epirubicin is an anthracycline antibiotic that intercalates into DNA, inhibits topoisomerase II activity, and generates free radicals causing cytotoxicity. This combination has been studied as part of adjuvant therapy regimens for breast cancer patients at higher risk of recurrence. Clinical trials have shown improved disease-free survival when capecitabine was added to standard regimens containing cyclophosphamide and epirubicin[1][2]. The drugs are typically administered in cycles; capecitabine orally for several days per cycle, while cyclophosphamide and epirubicin are given intravenously on day 1 of each cycle[1].

Other names

CEX