Efficacy and Safety of Trifluridine/Tipiracil-Containing Combinations in Colorectal Cancer and Other Advanced Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review

Oncologist. 2024 May 3;29(5):e601-e615. doi: 10.1093/oncolo/oyae007.

Abstract

We performed a systematic literature review to identify and summarize data from studies reporting clinical efficacy and safety outcomes for trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) combined with other antineoplastic agents in advanced cancers, including metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). We conducted a systematic search on May 29, 2021, for studies reporting one or more efficacy or safety outcome with FTD/TPI-containing combinations. Our search yielded 1378 publications, with 38 records meeting selection criteria: 35 studies of FTD/TPI-containing combinations in mCRC (31 studies second line or later) and 3 studies in other tumor types. FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab was extensively studied, including 19 studies in chemorefractory mCRC. Median overall survival ranged 8.6-14.4 months and median progression-free survival 3.7-6.8 months with FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab in refractory mCRC. Based on one randomized and several retrospective studies, FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab was associated with improved outcomes compared with FTD/TPI monotherapy. FTD/TPI combinations with chemotherapy or other targeted agents were reported in small early-phase studies; preliminary data indicated higher antitumor activity for certain combinations. Overall, no safety concerns existed with FTD/TPI combinations; most common grade ≥ 3 adverse event was neutropenia, ranging 5%-100% across all studies. In studies comparing FTD/TPI combinations with monotherapy, grade ≥ 3 neutropenia appeared more frequently with combinations (29%-67%) vs. monotherapy (5%-41%). Discontinuation rates due to adverse events ranged 0%-11% for FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab and 0%-17% with other combinations. This systematic review supports feasibility and safety of FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab in refractory mCRC. Data on non-bevacizumab FTD/TPI combinations remain preliminary and need further validation.

Keywords: antineoplastic agents; antineoplastic drugs; colorectal neoplasms; review literature; tipiracil; trifluridine.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols* / therapeutic use
  • Bevacizumab / administration & dosage
  • Bevacizumab / adverse effects
  • Bevacizumab / pharmacology
  • Bevacizumab / therapeutic use
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Drug Combinations*
  • Humans
  • Pyrrolidines* / adverse effects
  • Pyrrolidines* / therapeutic use
  • Thymine* / pharmacology
  • Thymine* / therapeutic use
  • Trifluridine* / administration & dosage
  • Trifluridine* / adverse effects
  • Trifluridine* / pharmacology
  • Trifluridine* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Bevacizumab
  • Drug Combinations
  • Pyrrolidines
  • Thymine
  • Trifluridine
  • trifluridine tipiracil drug combination

Grants and funding