Partial response of donafenib as the third-line therapy in metastatic colon cancer: A case report

RATIONALE: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a digestive tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates. After second-line treatment failure, third-line treatment options are limited, and the objective response rate is low. These patients are expected to have a short survival time. Therefore, it is very important to explore safer and more effective treatment options for patients with advanced colorectal cancer. Donafenib is a new type of tyrosine kinase inhibitor developed independently in China. Its effectiveness and safety as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in China have been verified. PATIENT CONCERNS: The patient was a 60-year-old Asian man who presented with sudden lower abdominal pain, vomiting, anal exhaustion, and poor defecation, without an apparent cause. He had no history of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or other relevant past illnesses. DIAGNOSIS: Metastatic colon cancer (stage IV). INTERVENTIONS: mFOLFOX6 chemotherapy was administered in 15 cycles as first-line therapy. FOLFIRI chemotherapy was administered in 8 cycles as second-line therapy. Donafenib was administered as third-line therapy. OUTCOMES: The patient achieved partial response. No serious adverse events (grades III–IV) occurred. LESSONS: This case report provides clinicians with a safe and effective option for donafenib as a later-line treatment option for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer to improve their overall survival and quality of life.