In a nutshell
This study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of the combination of trifluridine-tipiracil (Lonsurf) and bevacizumab (Avastin) in patients with unresponsive (refractory) metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in a real-world setting. The main finding was that trifluridine–tipiracil plus bevacizumab was safe and effective in patients with mCRC in a real-world setting.
Some background
Refractory mCRC means cancer that has spread to other areas of the body and has failed to respond to earlier treatments. Treatments such as chemotherapy, biological agents, and immunotherapy have been used to treat mCRC. Trifluridine–tipiracil is a chemotherapy combination that has been shown to improve the outcomes of patients with refractory mCRC in clinical trials when combined with bevacizumab. Bevacizumab is a targeted therapy that blocks the formation of new blood vessels in the tumor. This blocks the growth of cancer cells.
Clinical trials usually include a very limited category of patients, usually young and fit. However, in a real-world setting, patients with mCRC may have different responses to therapy. It is important to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of trifluridine–tipiracil combined with bevacizumab in patients with refractory mCRC in a real-world setting.
Methods & findings
The study involved 31 patients diagnosed with refractory mCRC or intolerable to other treatments. These patients were treated with trifluridine-tipiracil and bevacizumab. Patients were followed up for an average of 8 months.
The average survival time without the cancer worsening was 6 months. The average overall survival was 14 months. The response rate to the treatment was 3%. The disease control rate (the tumor does not grow or spread) was 71%.
The most common side effects were low white blood cell counts (19%) and anemia (6%).
The bottom line
The research concluded that the combination of trifluridine-tipiracil and bevacizumab was safe and effective in patients in a real-world setting with refractory mCRC, comparable to clinical trial data.
The fine print
The study had a small number of patients and a very short follow-up period. The study looked back at medical records.
Published By :
Targeted oncology
Date :
Oct 14, 2022
