Phase II study of single agent capecitabine in the treatment of metastatic non-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours

BACKGROUND: This study sought to determine the safety of single agent capecitabine, a pro-drug of 5FU, in patients with metastatic non-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (NETs). METHODS: Multicentre phase II, first-line study design. Oral capecitabine was administered on days 1-14 of 3-week cycles. RESULTS: Treatment was safe and well tolerated. Common toxicities were diarrhoea and fatigue. CONCLUSION: The study provides evidence to support the use of capecitabine as a substitute for infusional 5FU in the management of NETs. British Journal of Cancer (2011) 104, 1067-1070. doi: 10.1038/bjc.2011.76 www.bjcancer.com Published online 8 March 2011 (c) 2011 Cancer Research UK