Clinical effect analysis of different regimens of capecitabine in the treatment of patients with advanced colon cancer

To assess the efficacy and safety of capecitabine in treating advanced colon cancer. Patients with advanced colon cancer were randomized into three groups: control group (<i>n</i> = 50, daily dose 2,500 mg/m²), the medium-dose group (<i>n</i> = 50, daily dose 2,000 mg/m²), and the low-dose group (<i>n</i> = 50, daily dose 1,500 mg/m²) capecitabine for 4 cycles(12 weeks). Afterwards, the response rate, quality of life, and adverse reactions of the three groups were collected for comparison. Efficacy rates were 50%, 70%, and 72%, respectively, with the low-dose group showing the highest efficacy (χ2 = 6.424, <i>p</i> = 0.040); Quality of life comparison results indicated significant differences in physical function (<i>F</i> = 98.528, <i>p</i> < 0.001), role function (<i>F</i> = 123.418, <i>p</i> < 0.001), social function(<i>F</i> = 89.539, <i>p</i> < 0.001), emotional function (6 <i>F</i> = 77.295, <i>p</i> < 0.001), cognitive function (<i>F</i> = 83.529, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and overall quality of life (<i>F</i> = 99.528, <i>p</i> < 0.001) among the three groups, and the three groups returned consistent scores, with the low-dose group scoring highest. Incidence rates were 86.00%, 46.00%, 34.00%, with the control group having the highest rate (χ² = 16.505, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Capecitabine at a dosage of 1,500 mg/m² demonstrated a good therapeutic effect and improved the quality of life in patients with advanced colon cancer, with a lower incidence of adverse reactions. A prolonged treatment cycle with reduced dosage is suggested to further improve treatment outcomes and patient prognosis. <b>Trial registration</b> The study was registered on clicaltrials.gov 'NCT06246461' on 30/01/2024.