Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite the availability of several treatment options, refractory mCRC remains a challenging clinical problem. Trifluridine/tipiracil (trade name Lonsurf) is an oral combination of a thymidine analog and a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor that has demonstrated efficacy in treating refractory mCRC. Bevacizumab (trade name Avastin) is a monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy for mCRC.
The SUNLIGHT study was a phase 3, multicenter, randomized, open-label trial that evaluated the efficacy and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab versus standard chemotherapy as a third-line treatment for refractory mCRC.
The SUNLIGHT study provides evidence to support the use of trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab as a viable treatment option for refractory mCRC patients who have progressed after standard therapies. This combination therapy demonstrated improved OS, PFS, and overall response rate compared to standard chemotherapy.
Trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab represents a new treatment option for patients with refractory mCRC, who have limited treatment options. This combination therapy may improve patient outcomes and provide a potential new option for physicians to consider in the management of advanced colon cancer. As with any chemotherapy treatment, it may cause some side effects. It’s important to discuss any side effects with your doctor, as they can suggest ways to manage them. In some cases, the dose of Lonsurf may need to be adjusted or treatment may need to be temporarily stopped to allow the body to recover.
