Trifluridine–tipiracil for previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer

What has NICE said?

Trifluridine–tipiracil (Lonsurf) is recommended as a possible treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer. It is for adults who have had treatment for their colorectal cancer before or when other treatments are not suitable.

What does this mean for me?

If you have metastatic colorectal cancer that has been treated before, and your doctor thinks that trifluridine–tipiracil is the right treatment, you should be able to have it on the NHS.

Trifluridine–tipiracil should be available on the NHS within 3 months.

The condition and the treatment

Colorectal cancer, also known as bowel cancer, affects parts of the bowel called the colon or rectum. It is described as metastatic if it has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body.

Trifluridine slows the growth of cancer cells, and tipiracil helps trifluridine to work for longer.

NHS Choices may be a good place to find out more.

These organisations can give you advice and support:

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

ISBN: 978-1-4731-2034-1