New Study Finds Trifluridine-Tipiracil with Bevacizumab Improves Survival for Colon Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

A new study published in the Biomedicines journal has found that combining trifluridine-tipiracil (FTD-TPI) with bevacizumab (FTD-TPI+BEV) may improve overall survival and progression-free survival for patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) compared to FTD-TPI alone. The study, conducted by researchers at the Catholic University of Korea, retrospectively analyzed data from 106 patients treated at two institutions from June 2020 to October 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The median progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly longer with FTD-TPI+BEV compared to FTD-TPI alone (4.1 vs. 2.1 months; HR = 0.56; * * p* * = 0.004).
  • The disease control rate was also significantly higher with FTD-TPI+BEV (59.6% vs. 25.4%, * * p* * = 0.001).
  • Subgroup analyses showed consistent PFS benefits with FTD-TPI+BEV.
  • Grade 3-5 adverse events occurred at comparable rates between groups.
  • The study's findings suggest that FTD-TPI+BEV may represent a preferred salvage treatment option for refractory mCRC.
  • The study's lead author, Hyunho Kim, notes that further research is needed to confirm the findings and explore the optimal dose and duration of FTD-TPI+BEV treatment.

Statistics:

  • 106 patients were included in the study.
  • 47 patients were treated with FTD-TPI+BEV.
  • 59 patients were treated with FTD-TPI alone.
  • The median PFS with FTD-TPI+BEV was 4.1 months.
  • The median PFS with FTD-TPI alone was 2.1 months.
  • The disease control rate with FTD-TPI+BEV was 59.6%.
  • The disease control rate with FTD-TPI alone was 25.4%.

Sources:

  • Biomedicines journal: "Real-World Comparison of Trifluridine-Tipiracil with or Without Bevacizumab in Patients with Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer." Biomedicines 13(4):976. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines13040976
  • Immunotherapy Weekly: "Catholic University of Korea Researchers Provide New Study Findings on Colon Cancer (Real-World Comparison of Trifluridine-Tipiracil with or Without Bevacizumab in Patients with Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer)." May 14, 2025; p 495.