Regorafenib plus FOLFIRI with irinotecan dose escalated according to uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 genotyping in previous treated metastatic colorectal cancer patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Abstract Background Regorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor for metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) previously treated with fluoropyrimidines, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, monoclonal antibodies targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and monoclonal antibodies targeting epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A dose reduction from 160 mg to 120 mg regorafenib reduces regorafenib-associated adverse events (AEs). Dose adjustment of irinotecan in FOLFIRI regimen on basis of individual uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) genotype provides optimal oncological outcomes with acceptable AEs. This study is trying to address the efficacy and safety of dose adjusted combination of regorafenib and FOLFIRI for patients with mCRC. Methods A prospective, multicenter, randomized in a 2:1 ratio, controlled, clinical trial with two parallel arms will be conducted to compare irinotecan dose escalated FOLFIRI according to UGT1A1 genotyping plus 120 mg regorafenib with 120 mg regorafenib alone in previously treated patients with mCRC. The primary endpoint is progression-free survival (PFS) and the secondary endpoints are overall survival (OS), disease control rate (DCR), time to progression (TTP), and duration of treatment (DoT). Safety assessments are recorded as well. Discussion Dose adjustment for regorafenib and irinotecan makes treatment-related AEs tolerable and makes the concomitant treatment practicable. This study will provide initial evidences regarding the efficacy and safety of a new combination of chemotherapy and a targeted agent for mCRC.