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al from Canada · 10-09-2006, 01:44 PM

Dear Pam,

GET that Brain MRI!
First of all, Xeloda, technically speaking is not systemic. It is only supposed to be activated by and changed into 5-FU by tumors. I would be really surprised if it is activated by free-floating micro-mets; so it is not a profilactic treatment.
Second, although the Xeloda (capecitabine) molecule is small enough to cross the blood brain barrier, most HER2 cancers do not respond well to chemo alone; and since herceptin does not cross that BBB, you would not get that double punch effect for brain mets; thus the need for a small molecule like Tykerb.
Conclusion: your onc is only speculating and the only way to be sure is get that brain MRI!
Good luck,
Al

10-09-2006, 01:44 PM	#6
al from Canada Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 722	Dear Pam, GET that Brain MRI! First of all, Xeloda, technically speaking is not systemic. It is only supposed to be activated by and changed into 5-FU by tumors. I would be really surprised if it is activated by free-floating micro-mets; so it is not a profilactic treatment. Second, although the Xeloda (capecitabine) molecule is small enough to cross the blood brain barrier, most HER2 cancers do not respond well to chemo alone; and since herceptin does not cross that BBB, you would not get that double punch effect for brain mets; thus the need for a small molecule like Tykerb. Conclusion: your onc is only speculating and the only way to be sure is get that brain MRI! Good luck, Al __________________ Primary care-giver to and advocate for Linda, who passed away April 27, 2006.