Capecitabine: guaranteed access in adjuvant treatment of breast cancer

Correspondence to Ana Isabel Cachafeiro Pin, Pharmacy, Hospital Da Costa, Burela 27880, Spain; ana.isabel.cachafeiro.pin@sergas.es According to the Summary of Product Characteristics,1 capecitabine is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in combination with docetaxel after cytotoxic chemotherapy has failed (the previous treatment must have included an anthracycline), in monotherapy after taxanes and anthracycline have failed, or for patients for whom continuing with anthracycline treatment is not indicated. Taking into account the risk-benefit ratio of treatment, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia as the most common adverse effect (73.4% of patients), compared with the option of observing without treating, it is reasonable to consider starting treatment—jointly with the patient, respecting his or her preferences—under close surveillance and with continuous reassessment. Adjuvant capecitabine for breast cancer after preoperative chemotherapy.