Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the pharmacokinetics, bioequivalence, and safety of two tablet formulations of capecitabine 500 mg in Chinese patients with breast, colorectal or gastric cancer under fed condition.
Methods: A multicentric, randomized, open-label, single-dose, two-period, two-way crossover trial was conducted by randomizing a single oral dose of test (T) or reference (R, Xeloda®) capecitabine (500 mg) to patients of either sex with colon, colorectal or breast cancer under fed condition (high-fat and high-calorie diet). Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental methods. Patients were monitored for safety and tolerability throughout the study.
Results: 74 subjects were randomly enrolled. The T/R geometric mean ratios (GMRs) and 90% confidence intervals (CIs) for Cmax, AUC0-t and AUC0-∞ of capecitabine were 96.60% (85.87-108.67%), 99.07% (95.40-102.89%), 99.17% (95.29-103.21%), respectively. All 90% CIs fell within the bioequivalence acceptance range of 80.00-125.00%. The common adverse events (AEs) included clinically significant laboratory abnormalities and gastrointestinal diseases. There were no serious adverse events (SAEs) or deaths during the study. No subject withdrew from the study due to AEs.
Conclusion: Single oral intake of test and the reference capecitabine tablets were bioequivalent under fed condition and had similar favourable safety profiles in Chinese patients with breast, colorectal or gastric cancer.
Trial registration: chinadrugtrials.org.cn (CTR20182110).
Keywords: Bioequivalence; Capecitabine; Pharmacokinetics; Safety.
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