TAS-102

TAS-102 is an anti-cancer drug under development for colorectal cancer.

Clinical trials
A phase II trial reported in 2011 and a phase III trial is due to end in 2014.

Mechanism
TAS-102 consists of the cytotoxin trifluridine and the thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor (TPI) tipiracil. Trifluridine is incorporated into DNA during DNA synthesis and inhibits tumor cell growth. Tipiracil protects trifluridine from being broken down when taken orally.