Trifluridine/tipiracil

Trifluridine/tipiracil is a combination drug used in the treatment of certain types of cancer, specifically for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer that has been resistant to other treatments, and for metastatic gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. This medication combines two active ingredients, trifluridine and tipiracil, to increase the efficacy of treatment by both inhibiting cancer cell growth and preventing the degradation of the active drug, thereby enhancing its availability and effectiveness.

Composition and Mechanism of Action

Trifluridine is a nucleoside analog, which gets incorporated into DNA during the replication process, leading to the inhibition of DNA synthesis and function, ultimately causing cell death. Tipiracil, on the other hand, is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor that increases the bioavailability of trifluridine by inhibiting its degradation. The combination of these two compounds allows for a synergistic effect against cancer cells, improving the therapeutic outcomes in patients with certain types of advanced cancers.

Indications

Trifluridine/tipiracil is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

• Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy, and if RAS wild-type, an anti-EGFR therapy.
• Metastatic gastric cancer or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma that has progressed after at least two prior lines of chemotherapy.

Administration and Dosage

The drug is administered orally in tablet form. The dosage and treatment schedule typically involve taking the medication on specific days of a 28-day cycle, but the exact dosage and schedule depend on the patient's body surface area, general health, and other factors. It is crucial for this medication to be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Side Effects

Common side effects of trifluridine/tipiracil include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, diarrhea, neutropenia (a decrease in the number of white blood cells), anemia (a decrease in the number of red blood cells), thrombocytopenia (a decrease in the number of platelets), and increased levels of certain liver enzymes. Patients should be monitored for these side effects and any signs of infection, as the risk of infection may be increased due to neutropenia.

Precautions

Before starting treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil, patients should inform their healthcare provider about all their medical conditions, including if they have liver or kidney problems, are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. This medication can cause harm to a fetus and should not be used during pregnancy. Effective contraception should be used by both males and females during treatment and for a period after the last dose.

Conclusion

Trifluridine/tipiracil represents an important option in the treatment arsenal against certain advanced cancers, offering hope to patients who have exhausted other treatment options. Its development underscores the importance of ongoing research in the field of oncology and the need for novel therapeutic approaches to combat resistant and advanced cancers.