Evaluation of a novel combination therapy, based on trifluridine/tipiracil and fruquintinib, against colorectal cancer

Introduction: Trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (FTD/TPI, Lonsurf (R)) is an oral antineoplastic agent that has been approved as a late-stage chemotherapy for colorectal cancer. Its major mechanism of action is the dysfunction of tumoral DNA including DNA strand breaks and decreased replication. Fruquintinib (ELUNATE (R)) is a novel kinase inhibitor that selectively inhibits the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1, -2, and -3. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of combination therapy with FTD/TPI and fruquintinib in vivo. Methods: The enhancement of the antitumor effects with FTD/TPI and fruquintinib combination, compared to the single drugs given alone was evaluated using two human colorectal cancer xenografts in nude mouse models. FTD/TPI (200 mg/kg) was orally administered for 5 consecutive days followed by 2 days of rest in a 7-day period. Fruquintinib (10 mg/kg) was orally administered consecutively for 2 and 3 weeks in SW48 and HCT 116 tumor-bearing models, respectively. After treatment with these agents, the microvessel density was evaluated by CD31 immunohistochemical analyses. Results: In both models, FTD/TPI and fruquintinib significantly inhibited tumor growth, and the activity of the combined treatment was significantly superior to that of either monotherapy. Body weight loss of greater than 20% was not observed in any group. A histochemical analysis showed nuclei enlargement, abnormal mitosis and karyorrhexis in the FTD/TPI treatment group. The microvessel density in the HCT 116 tumors treated with FTD/TPI and fruquintinib was significantly lower than that in the control group. Conclusion: The combination of FTD/TPI and fruquintinib could be a promising treatment option for colorectal cancer.