Results of a phase II trial of short-course radiation and TASOX [trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102) plus oxaliplatin] chemotherapy in operable rectal cancer.
Publication Title
ESMO Gastrointest Oncol
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-1-2025
Keywords
TASOX; rectal cancer; short course radiation; total neoadjuvant therapy; trifluridine/tipiracil.; oregon; portland; chiles
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) is approved for metastatic colorectal cancer as monotherapy or in combination with bevacizumab, though dosing in combination with oxaliplatin has not yet been established. The objective of the phase II SHORT trial (NCT04417699) was to determine the efficacy of short-course radiation (SC RT) followed by 3 months of FTD/TPI + oxaliplatin (TASOX) as a condensed total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) regimen for intermediate-risk rectal cancer.
METHODS: Eligible patients with clinical T3N0 or T1-3N1 nonlow rectal tumors and negative radial tumor margins (>1 mm) were enrolled. The primary endpoint was reduction in neoadjuvant response (NAR) score compared with historic controls. Patients received 25 Gy in five 5 Gy fractions of conformal pelvic radiation followed by six planned 14-day cycles of TASOX: FTD/TPI (35 mg/m
RESULTS: Between 2020 and 2023, 13 patients with stage II (
CONCLUSIONS: SC RT and 3 months of TASOX can be safely delivered to patients with intermediate-risk rectal cancer, offering a convenient regimen that should be further explored for rectal cancer treatment. The TASOX regimen may be of particular relevance for patients with suspected dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency who require oxaliplatin-based therapy.
Area of Special Interest
Cancer
Area of Special Interest
Digestive Health
Specialty/Research Institute
Oncology
Specialty/Research Institute
Gastroenterology
Specialty/Research Institute
Pharmacy
DOI
10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100215
