Capecitabine

Term: CapecitabineDefinition: Capecitabine is an oral chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of various cancers, including those associated with asbestos exposure.Phonetic Pronunciation: (kap-eh-SITE-ah-been)Origin: Capecitabine is derived from the combination of 'cape' (from the chemical name of the drug) and 'tidine,' a common suffix in pharmaceutical nomenclature. It was developed in the late 20th century as a prodrug of 5-fluorouracil, designed to be activated specifically within tumor cells.Significance in Asbestos Context: In the context of asbestos-related diseases, capecitabine is significant because it is used to treat malignant mesothelioma, a cancer strongly linked to asbestos exposure. Its use can improve the quality of life and potentially extend the lifespan of affected individuals.Example Sentence: After being diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, the patient began a treatment regimen that included capecitabine to manage the cancer.Related Terms: Chemotherapy, Malignant Mesothelioma, Asbestos-Related Cancer, 5-Fluorouracil, ProdrugNotes: - Capecitabine is not a cure for asbestos-related cancers but can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. - It is often used in combination with other treatments for better efficacy.