Through a randomized trial, patients with FAP were treated with sulindac and erlotinib versus placebo for 6 months. Results of the study showed that those treated with sulindac and erlotinib had 70% fewer polyps than those in the placebo group. The lower number of polyps was seen in both those with an intact colorectum and those who had had their colon removed and only had a rectal pouch or rectum. However, there was a high rate of side effects, most commonly skin and oral mucosal findings, which may limit the use of these medications at the doses used in the current study. Additional research is needed to follow patients for a longer time period to determine the effect of these medications on patient outcomes.
Samadder NJ, et al. JAMA Oncol. 2018 May 1. PMID: 29423501.