Clinical outcomes of third-line chemotherapy prior to best supportive care in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer: a single-center study from Japan.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality in Japan, and while first- and second-line regimens have improved outcomes, the optimal third-line strategy remains unclear. Modified regimens based on Narrative Evidence-Based Medicine (NEBM) and Minimally Effective Cytotoxic Dose (MECD) theory have shown promise in maintaining survival with fewer adverse events (AEs) in Japanese patients. This study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the survival outcomes, efficacy, and safety of third-line chemotherapy following standardized earlier treatments in stage IV CRC.

Methods

This study retrospectively evaluated 37 patients, 12 with advanced recurrence following primary tumor resection and 25 with unresectable tumors with distant metastases, who had re

SUBMITTER: Higami S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12598329 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature