Ryan Haumschild, PharmD, MS, MBA, leads a discussion on the impact of combination therapies in colorectal cancer, featuring insights from Ben George, MD, and John L. Marshall, MD, and the use of NCCN guidelines.

Dr George discusses the recent FDA approval of the combination of trifluridine-tipiracil and bevacizumab and its effect on clinical practice. He emphasizes the need to maximize the response rate in patients and elaborates on how the combination has positively impacted the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). He highlights that patient goals, disease burden, and treatment priorities play a crucial role in deciding the best treatment approach.

The conversation shifts to understanding the adverse events associated with regorafenib and trifluridine-tipiracil. Dr Marshall notes the multitarget nature of regorafenib and the importance of dosing strategies to manage its toxicity. He also discusses trifluridine-tipiracil’s treatment schedule and the need to adapt it to patients’ needs.

Dr George reflects on the impact of SUNLIGHT trial data in firmly placing trifluridine-tipiracil and bevacizumab in the third-line setting for colorectal cancer. The discussion highlights the need to align treatment decisions with patients’ goals and their specific disease phenotypes.

The conversation wraps up with a discussion on the use of National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines in clinical practice. Dr George explains that guidelines serve as a baseline standard and can be used to support arguments with payers. He emphasizes the importance of a multidisciplinary approach and collaboration, acknowledging that guidelines provide a framework to build upon while considering patients’ individual needs and the available drugs.

The NCCN guidelines are recognized as a useful reference but are not a one-size-fits-all solution, and treatment decisions should be based on a patient’s unique circumstances and the expertise of the medical team. Dr Haumschild agrees and highlights the guidelines’ role in providing a framework for future treatment directions and research.

Video synopsis is AI-generated and reviewed by AJMC editorial staff.