trifluridine + cetuximab

Trifluridine + cetuximab is a combination therapy being investigated for the treatment of RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Trifluridine, a thymidine-based nucleoside analogue, exerts its antineoplastic effect by being phosphorylated into a metabolite that inhibits thymidylate synthase and incorporates into DNA, leading to DNA dysfunction and cell death. Cetuximab is a recombinant human/mouse chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), competitively inhibiting the binding of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and other ligands. This blockade inhibits downstream signaling pathways, such as MAPK and PI3K/Akt, which are critical for tumor growth, progression, and survival. In clinical trials, such as those conducted by Hunan Cancer Hospital, trifluridine is typically administered as part of the TAS-102 (trifluridine/tipiracil) fixed-dose combination to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy.

Other names

trifluridine/cetuximabTAS-102 + cetuximabFTD + cetuximab