Is it acceptable for a medical oncologist to use Xeloda in place of 5FU when treating GI sites other than rectal?   

Yes, we have extrapolated from anal cancer and gastric.  Xeloda is safer better tolerated than traditional 5FU.

I think for most treating physicians these are used interchangeably.  There are several stduies comparing the medications across several disease sites and indications showing similar efficacy.   Personally, I have reservation using xeloda for pancreatic cancer in the metastatic setti...