Risk-benefit analysis of FOLFIRI plus ramucirumab/aflibercept as a third-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer

Abstract

Background/Aim: The efficacy of folinic acid, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI) plus ramucirumab (F-RAM) or aflibercept (F-AFL) as a second-line treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is established. In this study, the risks and benefits of F-RAM/AFL as a thirdline treatment after first- and second-line bevacizumab for mCRC were evaluated. Patients and Methods: Overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs) were compared between groups treated with F-RAM/AFL (n=17) and trifluridine/tipiracil combination tablet (TAS-102) (n=26). Results: Median OS was longer in the third-line F-RAM/AFL group (379 days; 95%CI=157-458 days) than in the TAS-102 group (183 days; 95%CI=80-204 days) (log-rank test, p=0.015). Discontinuation due to AEs was only observed in the F-RAM/AFL group (3 cases). Conclusion: As a third-line treatment for mCRC, F-RAM/AFL should be prioritized over TAS-102 in terms of efficacy; however, the risk of AEs should be considered.