Chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted drugs: Which category does trifluridine and tipiracil (Lancever) belong to?

In the vast field of cancer treatment, chemotherapy drugs and targeted drugs are the two main weapons. Chemotherapy drugs generally kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells broadly by interfering with their DNA synthesis or other biological processes. Targeted drugs are more precise. They target the unique molecules or signaling pathways of cancer cells and strive to accurately attack cancer cells without affecting normal cells.

Trifluridine and tipiracil (Lonsurf/Lonsurf) is a compound drug consisting of trifluridine and tipiracil. Trifluridine can be mixed into the DNA of cancer cells, destroying its normal replication of genetic information, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. Tipiracil, by inhibiting the metabolism of uridine, prolongs the action time of trifluridine in the body and enhances its anti-cancer effect.

However, despite its excellent performance in treating cancers such as advanced colorectal and gastric cancer, trifluridine and tipiracil do not meet the definition of a targeted drug. Its mechanism of action does not target molecules or signaling pathways specific to cancer cells, but broadly affects cancer cells by interfering withDNA synthesis and increasing the concentration of drugs in the body. This mode of action is more similar to chemotherapy drugs.

Therefore, from the perspective of drug classification, trifluridine and tipiracil are closer to chemotherapy drugs. It effectively inhibits the growth and spread of cancer cells through its dual mechanism of action, which is to interfere with DNA synthesis and prolong the drug's action time. Although it is not as precise as targeted drugs, it still shows significant therapeutic effects against many types of tumors.

In summary, trifluridine and tipiracil, as a combination drug, are a type of chemotherapy drugs that aim to inhibit tumor growth through multiple channels and improve the therapeutic effect. It is not a single-target drug and does not have the high selectivity of targeted therapy drugs. Instead, it works through a broad spectrum of anti-cancer effects. When used, doctors will make individual adjustments based on the patient's condition and tolerance.