ctDNA-Guided Rechallenge With Cetuximab Plus Trifluridine/Tipiracil Versus Bevacizumab Plus Trifluridine/Tipiracil for RAS/BRAF Wild-Type Refractory Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial
The objective of this randomized controlled clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of ctDNA-guided rechallenge with cetuximab plus trifluridine/tipiracil compared with bevacizumab plus trifluridine/tipiracil in patients with treatment-refractory, RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer.
• Histologically confirmed colorectal adenocarcinoma
• Initial RAS/BRAF wild-type status
• Received first-line treatment with FOLFOX, FOLFIRI, or FOLFOXIRI combined with cetuximab, with documented clinical benefit (CR/PR/SD) and progression-free survival (PFS) ≥ 6 months
• Disease progression occurred during or within 3 months after cetuximab-based first-line therapy
• Experienced further tumor progression after receiving second-line or subsequent treatments
• At least 4 months have elapsed since the last administration of cetuximab
• At least one measurable lesion according to RECIST v1.1
• RAS/BRAF wild-type status confirmed by blood-based ctDNA testing
• Normal hematologic function (platelets \> 90 × 10⁹/L; white blood cells \> 3 × 10⁹/L; neutrophils \> 1.5 × 10⁹/L; hemoglobin \> 10.0 g/100 ml)
• Serum bilirubin ≤ 1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN), transaminases ≤ 5 × ULN
• No ascites, normal coagulation function, serum albumin ≥ 35 g/L
• Child-Pugh class A liver function
• Serum creatinine below ULN or calculated creatinine clearance \> 50 ml/min (using the Cockcroft-Gault formula)
• ECOG performance status of 0-1
• Expected survival \> 3 months
• Signed written informed consent
• Willing and able to undergo follow-up until death, study completion, or study termination