Clinical outcomes following trifluridine/tipiracil treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer ineligible for regorafenib treatment

Abstract

Background/Aim: In later-line treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), trifluridine/tipiracil is often selected because regorafenib is difficult to use in patients with comorbidities such as thrombosis, hemorrhage, or cardiac events. However, the safety and efficacy of trifluridine/tipiracil in these patients is not clear. Patients and Methods: The clinical outcomes of trifluridine/tipiracil were retrospectively investigated in patients who were ineligible for regorafenib because of comorbidities. Results: Among the 27 patients who received trifluridine/tipiracil, many had comorbidities of deep venous thrombosis or hemorrhage. The median overall survival was 12.4 months, and the median progression-free survival was 2.8 months. The median overall survival was 7.7 months in 19 patients without subsequent regorafenib. Grade 3 or higher toxicities were found in 51% of patients. No treatment discontinuation because of comorbidities was observed. Conclusion: Trifluridine/tipiracil can be safely administered while maintaining efficacy in patients who were ineligible for regorafenib.