Long-Term Survival in a Patient with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Treated with Trifluridine/Tipiracil as Late-Line Chemotherapy: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Although long-term survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is limited, treatments for third-line and later treatment are now recommended. We describe a patient who achieved long-term survival when they received third-line treatment with trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI). Case Presentation: The woman who was 52 years old at diagnosis of adenocarcinoma of the right colon (T3/N0/M1) with metastases to the lung, liver, ovary, and other soft tissues received first-line fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (FOLFOX/FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab) intermittently for approximately 8.5 years with generally stable disease, and second-line FOLFIRI plus radiotherapy. After progression on second-line therapy, the patient initiated treatment with FTD/TPI 35 mg/m2 twice daily on days 1–5 and 8–12 of each 28-day cycle. She received a total of 38 cycles of FTD/TPI over a period of 34 months achieving a partial response, maintained performance status, and improved quality of life. Neutropenia was successfully managed with FTD/TPI dose delays or reductions. Conclusion: This heavily pre-treated patient with mCRC demonstrated impressive long-term survival and maintenance of good quality of life with FTD/TPI treatment.

Keywords

• long-term survival
• metastatic colorectal cancer
• trifluridine/tipiracil