TAS-102

Oncolytics Biotech reports DSMB recommendation for continued enrollment in GOBLET study Cohort 5, assessing pelareorep with modified FOLFIRINOX and atezolizumab for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, pending PEI approval. Safety data expected in H1 2025, with initial efficacy results in H2.

Merck announced that the Phase 3 KEYFORM-007 trial evaluating the combination of favezelimab and pembrolizumab did not meet its primary endpoint of overall survival for previously treated PD-L1 positive MSS mCRC patients. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies, with no new safety signals observed. A full data evaluation is ongoing, and Merck will share results with the scientific community.

The phase 3 IKF-AIO-RAMTAS trial found no significant OS improvement with ramucirumab + TAS-102 vs TAS-102 alone in heavily pretreated mCRC patients, though benefits were seen in female patients and those with left-sided tumors. The combination showed improved PFS and DCR but increased hematotoxicity and dose reductions.

New therapies like trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab and fruquintinib expand options for refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Efforts focus on moving targeted therapies to earlier lines and developing novel therapies for previously undruggable mutations. Immunotherapy lags in mCRC, but combinations and new approaches show promise. Enrolling in clinical trials is crucial for further progress.