Dr Stintzing on the Safety Profile of Fruquintinib in mCRC

Sebastian Stintzing, MD, professor, medicine, head, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Cancer Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, discusses the utility of the quality-adjusted time without symptoms of disease or toxicity (Q-TWiST) analysis, which evaluated treatment with fruquintinib (Fruzaqla) plus best supportive care (BSC) compared with placebo plus BSC in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), according to results from the phase 3 FRESCO-2 trial (NCT04322539).

Fruquintinib’s unique mechanism of action has sparked ongoing evaluations, one of which was presented at the 2024 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, where researchers presented findings from a preplanned analysis focusing on Q-TWiST within the framework of FRESCO-2. This analysis sheds light on the impact of fruquintinib treatment on patients' quality of life (QOL), providing valuable insights beyond traditional survival metrics.

The established toxicity profile of fruquintinib in patients with mCRC generally depicts favorable tolerance, Stintzing begins. Drawing from experience with other VEGF inhibitors, no novel toxicities emerged with fruquintinib, and any observed toxicities were deemed highly manageable, he states. This aspect is crucial for patient care and treatment adherence, as it contributes to a better overall treatment experience, Stintzing explains.

Looking to the future trajectory of FRESCO-2, expectations include forthcoming data releases encompassing various subgroup analyses, he expands. These analyses will further elucidate the efficacy of fruquintinib in specific patient populations, potentially guiding treatment decisions and improving patient outcomes, Stintzing reports.

The significance of the Q-TWiST analysis lies in its demonstration of QOL benefits for patients receiving fruquintinib vs BSC, he continues. Regulatory bodies emphasize the importance of prolonging survival and ensuring therapies are not associated with significant toxicity, he elucidates, adding that the Q-TWiST analysis confirms that fruquintinib extends survival in patients with previously treated mCRC and allows them to maintain a high QOL. This reaffirms the agent’s potential as a valuable therapeutic option in this challenging clinical setting, providing hope for patients and clinicians alike, Stintzing concludes.