Metastatic colorectal cancer: Management with trifluridine/tipiracil

BACKGROUND: Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) are common in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving chemotherapy. These AEs may affect patient adherence, particularly with completely oral regimens, such as trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102, Lonsurf^®), an antimetabolite agent for patients with mCRC refractory or intolerant to standard therapies. OBJECTIVES: This article reviews strategies for promoting adherence and educating patients and caregivers about oral therapy with trifluridine/tipiracil. METHODS: Recommended strategies for managing AEs are reviewed, with a focus on the most common AEs reported in patients with mCRC receiving trifluridine/tipiracil in clinical trials. FINDINGS: Oncology nurses play an important role in educating and counseling patients regarding treatment and its potential side effects. Among patients with mCRC refractory or intolerant to standard therapies, trifluridine/tipiracil was found to have a favorable safety profile. It is associated with hematologic AEs as well as a low incidence of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue.