Dr. Strickler on Selecting Between TAS-102 and Regorafenib in CRC

John H. Strickler, MD, medical oncologist at Duke Cancer Center, Duke Health, discusses factors to consider when selecting between trifluridine/tipiracil (Lonsurf; TAS-102) and regorafenib (Stivarga) for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.

Often, the decision between with the 2 agents is based on the individual patient, Strickler says. For example, if a patient has not received recent cytotoxic chemotherapy and has adequate kidney and liver function, TAS-102 with or without bevacizumab (Avastin) might be the stronger option, Strickler explains. If a patient has been heavily pretreated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and you are considering the benefit of a different mechanism of action, regorafenib may be a more beneficial choice in the third-line setting, Strickler notes. 

Ultimately, the goal is to match the patient with the agent that will provide the most clinical benefit with a manageable safety profile, Strickler says. Treatment for these patients is not a one-size-fits-all approach, Strickler concludes.