Modified FOLFOXIRI Plus Target Therapy as a First Line Treatment for Advanced Colorectal Cancer a Prospective Phase Two Study

Overview

This prospective Phase II study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a modified FOLFOXIRI regimen in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). FOLFOXIRI, though effective, is known for its high toxicity, necessitating close monitoring and dose adjustments. . The primary endpoint is to assess the impact on the objective response rate and evaluate both acute and delayed toxicity. The secondary endpoints include studying the treatment's effectiveness as conversion therapy, along with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). The tertiary endpoint focuses on evaluating predictive and prognostic factors of significance. This study seeks to balance the efficacy of FOLFOXIRI with a modified dose to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic benefits, providing a potentially safer and effective option for patients with MCRC.

This prospective Phase II clinical trial aims to assess the efficacy and safety of a modified dose regimen of FOLFOXIRI in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC). FOLFOXIRI is a chemotherapy regimen known for its high toxicity, necessitating close monitoring, dose reductions, and supportive treatments. While previous studies have demonstrated the clinical efficacy of FOLFOXIRI compared to FOLIRI or FOLFOX, the regimen's toxicity remains a significant concern. Intervention: Modified FOLFOXIRI Regimen: Oxaliplatin: 85 mg/m² IV over 2 hours (Day 1) Irinotecan: 150 mg/m² IV over 90 minutes (Day 1) 5-FU: 2400 mg/m² IV over 48 hours infusion (Day 1) Targeted Therapy: KRAS/NRAS/BRAF Wild-Type (Left-Sided Tumor): Anti-EGFR treatment with either Panitumumab (6 mg/kg IV over 60 minutes, Day 1) or Cetuximab (500 mg/m² IV, Day 1). KRAS/NRAS Mutant or Right-Sided Tumor: Bevacizumab (5 mg/kg IV over 30-90 minutes, Day 1). Treatment Schedule: Administered biweekly for a maximum of 12 cycles (6 months). G-CSF Prophylaxis: Administered as primary prophylaxis for patients older than 55 and as secondary prophylaxis for those who develop grade ≥3 neutropenia. Dose Modifications and Treatment-Related Toxicity: Toxicity will be evaluated after each cycle using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 (National Cancer Institute, 2017). Dose Reduction Guidelines: A 25% dose reduction will be implemented for specific grade III/IV acute toxicities including neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, diarrhea, mucositis/stomatitis, hand-foot syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, elevated liver enzymes, severe fatigue, hypertension, proteinuria, and dermatologic toxicity. Treatment Discontinuation: Patients who experience further grade III/IV acute toxicity after dose reduction will be excluded from the study. Treatment Duration: Eligible for Surgery: Patients with a favorable response will receive a maximum of 8 cycles before surgical evaluation. Ineligible for Surgery: Treatment will continue until the completion of 12 cycles, intolerable toxicity, or a maximum duration of 6 months. Assessments: Disease Assessment: Performed every 4 cycles (8 weeks) during the induction phase, followed by every 3 months. Quality of life will be evaluated using the EORTC QLQ C30 and CR 29 questionnaires. Response Assessment: Based on RECIST v1.1 criteria, categorized as Complete Response (CR), Partial Response (PR), Stable Disease (SD), or Progressive Disease (PD). Statistical Analysis: Survival Analysis: Kaplan-Meier estimates with one-sided log-rank tests will be used to analyze progression-free survival (PFS). Overall survival (OS) will be calculated from the date of histological diagnosis to the date of last follow-up or death. Data Analysis: Data will be analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26. Quantitative data will be presented as means, standard deviations, and ranges, or as medians with interquartile ranges, depending on distribution. Qualitative data will be presented as frequencies and percentages. Chi-square tests will compare groups with qualitative data. The confidence interval is set at 95%, with a significance threshold of p \< 0.05.