Toronto (ECN) - In a rare study of breast cancer in women over age sixty, scientists found standard chemotherapy more effective than the drug Xeloda (Capecitabine) when used in the early stages of the disease. Since the average age of women with breast cancer is sixty-three, this study, published May 14 in the New England Journal of Medicine, is significant.
Scientists had hoped the single oral dose of Roche’s Xeloda which offers fewer side effects could eventually replace multi-drug intravenous chemotherapy as a standard treatment, but the theory did not hold up. In fact, twice as many patients taking the Capecitabine were likely to have a relapse or die.
Dr. Hyman Muss of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill led the 3-year study, and reports that 85% of the patients receiving chemotherapy are now doing well. Of those women given Xeloda, 68% are thriving at this time. The medicines were prescribed along with the usual treatments like surgery or radiation.
Xeloda is more effective when used for women who are in the advanced stages of the disease in order to lessen their symptoms. It is also an effective treatment for other cancers like colon cancer.
