Shilcap contains Capecitabine, an oral prodrug of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), used in the treatment of various cancers. Capecitabine is designed to selectively activate in tumor tissues, reducing systemic side effects and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. 

Composition:

• Active Ingredient: Capecitabine 500 mg.

• Form: Film-coated tablet.

• Route of Administration: Oral.

Indications:

Colorectal Cancer:

• Treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer.

• Adjuvant therapy for patients with Dukes' C colon cancer after surgery.

Breast Cancer:

• Treatment of locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.

• Commonly used in combination with docetaxel after anthracycline-based chemotherapy failure.

Gastric Cancer:

• Used in advanced gastric cancer, often in combination with platinum-based regimens.

Off-Label Uses:

• Sometimes prescribed for other solid tumors under clinical discretion.

Mechanism of Action:

Capecitabine is converted enzymatically into 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) within tumor cells. The active metabolite interferes with DNA synthesis by:

1. Inhibiting thymidylate synthase, which blocks thymidine production needed for DNA replication.

2. Disrupting RNA and protein synthesis, ultimately leading to cancer cell death.

This tumor-selective activation minimizes systemic toxicity.