In a nutshell
This study investigated the effectiveness of fluoropyrimidine and irinotecan (FLIRI) to treat metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) colorectal cancer. Researchers suggested that FLIRI could be used as first line treatment for these patients.
Some background
The chemotherapy combinations FOLFOX, CapeOX or FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab are the standard treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. Chemotherapy is used in cancer patients to reduce symptoms and prolong survival. These drugs attack cancer cells, slowing down cancer progression. However, some of these treatments can cause negative side effects, causing patients to stop the treatment.
Prior studies showed that treatment with FLIRI is associated with improved outcomes. However, the effectiveness of this treatment as first line treatment for advanced colorectal cancer is not clear.
Methods & findings
This study included 487 patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Patients were randomly assigned to receive the standard treatment (243) or FLIRI plus bevacizumab (241).
Average progression-free survival (PFS; time from treatment to cancer progression) was 10.8 months in the standard group. PFS was 14 months in the FLIRI group. Patients treated with FLIRI had a 16% improvement in the odds of a better progression-free survival.
Negative side effects were experienced in 64.9% of the standard group and 58.6% of the FLIRI group. These included nerve pain and hand-foot syndrome (redness, pain, and swelling of the palms and bottom of feet).
The bottom line
This study concluded that FLIRI is equally effective in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer when compared to the standard treatment.
Published By :
Annals of oncology : official journal of the European Society for Medical Oncology
Date :
Dec 27, 2017
