Case report: Efficacy and safety of regorafenib plus fluorouracil combination therapy in the treatment of refractory metastatic colorectal cancer

Front Oncol. 2022 Dec 15:12:992455. doi: 10.3389/fonc.2022.992455. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

Background: More than half of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) present with metastatic disease or develop recurrent disease on first-line and second-line options. Treatment beyond the second line remains an area of unmet need for patients with progressive or recurrent disease.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data of adult (>18 years old) patients with mCRC who received regorafenib + 5FU combination therapy at Houston Methodist Hospital with outcomes of interest including response rate, discontinuation due to side effects, and overall survival.

Results: Seven patients received regorafenib + 5FU combination therapy for mCRC after receiving at least two other lines of therapy (including at least one fluorouracil-based therapy). Four patients (57%) achieved disease control in 7-12 weeks after therapy initiation while three patients developed recurrent disease. In patients who achieved disease control, no new adverse events were reported among patients with this combination.

Conclusion: Regorafenib and Fluorouracil combination could be considered an option beyond the second line for patients with treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer. Further studies, including a prospective trial, are needed to investigate the efficacy and safety of regorafenib plus 5FU therapy compared to other limited available therapies.

Keywords: 5-FU; CRC; fluorouracil (3385); metastatic colorectal cancer; regorafenib.

Publication types

  • Case Reports