Home → Research News → Ask-the-Expert Conferences: Research News → June 2005: Updates from the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting → Long-term use of Xeloda effective for metastases?

Long-term use of Xeloda effective for metastases?

Page last modified on: February 19, 2009

Question from VickiG: I have just been diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in my lungs, liver, and bones. I have just started Xeloda. This is the third time I have had cancer in three and a half years. I did chemo, radiation, removed my ovaries and was on tamoxifen until recently. I am 45 years old. I am not a candidate for Herceptin. Can you tell me about long-term use of Xeloda? Are they seeing good results?: Answers —Jennifer Armstrong, M.D.: Let me say, Vicki, it sounds like you've been through quite a lot. It is also important to note how many treatment options we and you now have. I think Xeloda is a great drug, and have seen wonderful results. Dr. Rugo talked earlier about some of the side effects of Xeloda among which most notably to patients are often the “hand-foot syndrome” (tenderness and peeling of the palms and soles).

That being said, there are some excellent treatments to help manage that side effect, including things as simple as good emollients or hand creams for both the palms and soles. Your doctor may have talked to you about Bag Balm, and I've had patients rave to me about Kiehl's cream as well as wearing comfortable, loose-fitting shoes, etc. I of course would have to know the details of what you have received in the past to know what else remains available to you in the future, but I am optimistic that Xeloda might be an excellent option for you for quite some time.; Hope Rugo, M.D.: I use a lot of Xeloda - it's a great agent, and hair doesn't fall out. I've had patients on it for long durations in some cases. Sometimes the side effects can be reduced by giving the drug in a one-week-on, one-week-off schedule as opposed to the usual two-weeks-on, two-weeks-off schedule.

We're getting a study going that will look at nicotine patches to reduce the toxicity seen with Xeloda because making the small blood vessels smaller might help. But even with that, this is a great agent to use for treatment of cancer. I would suggest for a woman in your situation that you discuss available clinical trials with your oncologist at every change of treatment. Participation in the right trials for you may expand your treatment options. The number of treatment options that are available have improved the life and quality of life for women with metastatic breast cancer.

On Wednesday, June 15, 2005 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2005 ASCO Annual Meeting. Hope Rugo, M.D. and moderator Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. answered your questions on the latest research advances presented at the 2005 American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting in Orlando, FL.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Visit our Gift Shop!

Shop Now »

Meet the Experts

Hope S. Rugo, M.D. is a clinical professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she directs the Breast Oncology Clinical Trials Program.

Jennifer Armstrong, M.D. is a breast cancer oncologist at Paoli Hematology-Oncology Associates in Paoli, Pa., with a special interest in physicians' communication skills.