Dr. Helft on the CAPTEM Regimen in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors

Paul R. Helft, MD, professor of medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indiana University Health Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, discusses the use of capecitabine and temozolomide across gastrointestinal (GI) neuroendocrine tumors.

The regimen came about from a group at NYU Langone Health on the basis of preclinical data. The data suggested that the combination of capecitabine and temozolomide had an important cell-directed cycle effect on tumor cells. A couple of small studies of several dozen patients suggested significant activity in its use, Helft says.

Although its efficacy has been proven, it is a difficult regimen for patients to take because they have to take 1 of the drugs 2 out of the 4 weeks and the other drug every 10 to 14 days. However, it’s well tolerated and has activity that extends to pancreatic and other GI neuroendocrine tumors as well.