Fruquintinib Maintenance Therapy After Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Advanced Colorectal Cancer with NED: A Study on Clinical Effectiveness and Safety

The overall 5-year survival rate for patients with colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains disappointingly low at less than 20%. While surgery-based local treatments can achieve no evidence of disease (NED) in some cases, the unfortunate reality is that over 60% of CRLM patients will experience a recurrence. This high recurrence rate persists even after completing the standard 6-month perioperative adjuvant therapy.

Fruquintinib, a small molecule highly selective anti-angiogenic inhibitor, offers a potential solution. By inhibiting angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels that tumors rely on for growth and spread, fruquintinib may help to suppress tumor recurrence and extend the time to recurrence and metastasis. This approach holds particular promise for patients who have achieved NED and completed adjuvant chemotherapy.

The Chinese Society of Clinical Oncology (CSCO) guidelines recognize the potential of fruquintinib and have included it as a level I recommendation for third-line therapy in colorectal cancer (CRC). This study aims to further explore the clinical effectiveness and safety of fruquintinib as a maintenance therapy strategy in this specific patient population. By evaluating the impact of fruquintinib on tumor recurrence and patient survival, the study seeks to contribute valuable data to the ongoing effort to improve long-term outcomes for individuals battling advanced CRC.