Oxaliplatin versus irinotecan as first-line therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer with prior adjuvant treatment: a retrospective study on efficacy, sequential therapy, and the impact of thrombocytopenia

Despite the limitations of a retrospective, single-center design, first-line oxaliplatin provides superior OS in mCRC patients with prior adjuvant therapy, independent of the treatment sequence. The OS disparity stems from the differential use of chemotherapy interchange, driven by oxaliplatin-induced thrombocytopenia during adjuvant treatment, which may lead to premature regimen abandonment. Clinicians should prioritize thrombocytopenia prevention and avoid arbitrary oxaliplatin discontinuation. These findings highlight the importance of managing oxaliplatin-associated toxicity to preserve subsequent treatment options, though they require validation in prospective studies.