In a recent observational study published in the journal Clinical Colorectal Cancer, authors found that in patients with early stage colorectal cancer who use proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and are on monotherapy with capecitabine there is an increase in recurrence (a decrease in recurrence-free survival) but not a difference in overall survival.
The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are a common treatment for acid reflux and include drugs like Prilosec, Zantac and Prevacid.
This new study echoes a previous finding on patients on monotherapy with capecitabine and who take PPIs for stomach cancer.
Axel Grothey, MD from Mayo Clinic, recommends that until further studies are done, patients who are on PPIs should receive infusional 5FU and not capecitabine, if possible. It is important to talk to your doctor before you make any medical decisions.
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