BACKGROUND: Treatment-related adverse events (AEs) are common in patients with 
metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving chemotherapy. These AEs may affect 
patient adherence, particularly with completely oral regimens, such as 
trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102, Lonsurf®), an antimetabolite agent for patients 
with mCRC refractory or intolerant to standard therapies. .
OBJECTIVES: This article reviews strategies for promoting adherence and 
educating patients and caregivers about oral therapy with 
trifluridine/tipiracil.  .
METHODS: Recommended strategies for managing AEs are reviewed, with a focus on 
the most common AEs reported in patients with mCRC receiving 
trifluridine/tipiracil in clinical trials. .
FINDINGS: Oncology nurses play an important role in educating and counseling 
patients regarding treatment and its potential side effects. Among patients with 
mCRC refractory or intolerant to standard therapies, trifluridine/tipiracil was 
found to have a favorable safety profile. It is associated with hematologic AEs 
as well as a low incidence of nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, anorexia, and fatigue.