Beyond efficacy parity: a novel cost-equilibrium framework for value assessment of competing third-line therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of global cancer mortality, with metastatic CRC (mCRC) requiring sequential therapies after first line treatment failure. While regorafenib and fruquintinib are guideline-endorsed third-line options, their comparative value remains unestablished due to absent head-to-head trials. This real-world study evaluates clinical outcomes, safety, and cost differentials to model value-equilibrium pricing.

Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis included 25 mCRC patients (regorafenib: n = 5; fruquintinib: n = 20) treated at Sichuan Cancer Hospital (2021-2022) with follow-up through June 2023. Outcomes included real-world disease control rate (rwDCR), adverse events (CTCAE v4.03-graded), and daily treatment costs (medication, dose adj

SUBMITTER: Ou S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12390821 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature