In a nutshell
This study examined the effectiveness of FOLFOXIRI combined with targeted therapy (TT) in advanced colorectal cancer. This study concluded that FOLFOXIRI plus TT was associated with better outcomes compared to other treatment combinations.
Some background
Chemotherapy is used to reduce symptoms and increase survival in colorectal cancer. It attacks cancer cells, slowing cancer growth. Different chemotherapy drugs are often combined to increase effectiveness. FOLFOXIRI, for example, combines folinic acid, 5-fluorouacil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan.
Targeted therapies (TT) target specific proteins or small molecules involved in cancer growth. Prior studies have shown that chemotherapy combined with TT improved overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause). The effectiveness and safety of FOLFOXIRI plus TT in advanced colorectal cancer is still not clear.
Methods & findings
This study reviewed other 10 studies including 2,506 colorectal cancer patients. Patients in group 1 were treated with either FOLFOXIRI plus TT. Patients in group 2 were treated with other chemotherapy combinations combined with TT.
Patients in group 1 were 29% more likely to have a longer time to disease progression. Group 1 was also 19% more likely to have a longer overall survival. Patients in group 1 were 66% more likely to respond to treatment compared to group 2.
Some colorectal cancers are associated with a mutation (permanent change) in the BRAF/RAS genes. In these patients, FOLFOXIRI plus bevacizumab (Avastin) was associated with better outcomes.
FOLFOXIRI did not increase side effects compared to other combinations.
The bottom line
This study concluded that treatment with FOLFOXIRI plus TT was safe and effective for advanced colorectal cancer.
Published By :
Oncotarget
Date :
May 09, 2017
