Tipiracil: Combination oncology drugs & guide
Tipiracil is a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor. In modern oncology, this substance is not used as a standalone antineoplastic agent, but exclusively in combination with the antimetabolite Trifluridine.
The primary function of Tipiracil is to prevent the rapid degradation of trifluridine as it passes through the digestive tract and liver. This ensures that the necessary concentration of the anti-tumor component is maintained in the blood. On Unifarm, you can find a list of combination medications containing this active ingredient.
Indications
Used as part of combination therapy (Trifluridine/Tipiracil) for:
- Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: In adult patients who have been previously treated with, or are not considered candidates for, standard chemotherapy.
- Metastatic Gastric Cancer or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: In patients who have received at least two prior systemic therapy regimens.
Dosage and administration
Medications based on the Tipiracil/Trifluridine combination are taken orally. It is crucial to adhere to the administration schedule regarding meals (typically within 1 hour after morning and evening meals).
Typical Cycle Schedule (28 days):
- Days 1–5 and 8–12: Medication is taken twice daily.
- Days 6–7 and 13–28: Rest period (no medication taken).
The exact dosage is calculated by a physician based on the patient's body surface area.
- Hypersensitivity to Tipiracil or any excipients.
- Severe renal impairment (requires strict dose adjustment).
- Severe hepatic impairment (not recommended).
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Pediatric patients under 18 years of age.
Side effects are primarily driven by the trifluridine component of the combination but require careful monitoring:
- Hematologic: Severe neutropenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomatitis.
- General: Severe fatigue, weakness, fever (infections due to lowered immunity).
