Authors' objectives: Lonsurf (trifluridine and tipiracil hydrochloride) is intended to be used as a third line therapy for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer previously treated with, or not considered suitable for current available therapies, including fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan based chemotherapy, anti-VEGF therapy, and/or anti-EGFR therapy. If licensed, Lonsurf will offer an additional oral treatment option for such patients. Lonsurf does not currently have Marketing Authorisation in the EU for any indication. Colorectal or bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK. In England there were 34,044 cases of bowel cancer in 2011. The vast majority of people diagnosed with colorectal cancer are over 60 years of age. Between 20% and 55% of people presenting with colorectal cancer have metastatic disease, and an estimated 50-60% of patients who have undergone surgery for early stage colorectal cancer with apparently complete excision will eventually develop advanced disease and distant metastases. In England and Wales 13,879 deaths from colorectal cancer were registered during 2012. The majority of patients with colorectal cancer have metastatic disease that initially is not suitable for potentially curative resection; therefore the aim of treatment is to convert initially unresectable disease to resectable disease, or is palliative, to control symptoms, extend survival and improve quality of life. Treatment may include chemotherapy such as FOLFOX, XELOX, irinotecan, FOLFIRI, or raltitrexed. Biological agents (alone or in combination with chemotherapy) such as cetuximab, bevacizumab, and panitumamb are an option for certain patients. Lonsurf is currently in two phase III clinical trials comparing its effect on overall survival against treatment with placebo. These trials are expected to complete between November 2014 and June 2016.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2015

URL for published report: http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/lonsurf-trifluridine-and-tipiracil-hydrochloride-for-metastatic-colorectal-cancer-third-line/

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: England, United Kingdom

Organisation Name: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre

Contact Address: The NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre, Department of Public Health, Epidemiology, and Biostatistics, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, 90 Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2SP. United Kingdom. Tel: +44 121 414 7831, Fax: +44 121 2269

Contact Name: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Contact Email: c.packer@bham.ac.uk

Copyright: NIHR Horizon Scanning Centre (NIHR HSC)