A small study delivers startling results on the power of a new immunotherapy treatment against rectal cancer: The drug triggered remission in all the patients who were treated with it. All of the patients had a mismatch repair-deficiency (mismatch repair deficient cells usually have many DNA mutations, which may lead to cancer) associated with locally advanced rectal cancer.
The patients were treated with dostarlimab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody (a treatment that engenders an immune response to attack the cancer cells). After at least six months of follow-up, all 14 patients achieved remission (no evidence of tumors on medical scans and tests, digital rectal exam or biopsy).
Thus far, none of the patients have required chemo-radiation or surgery, and no cases of progression or recurrence have occurred. While longer follow-up is needed to assess response duration (the lengthy of time the drug has been working), this is practice-changing for patients with mismatch repair-deficiency locally advanced rectal cancer.
About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation
The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of the most active research organizations in the nation. We are dedicated to studying and evaluating novel treatments for women afflicted with breast, ovarian, endometrial, and cervical cancers. The WCRF persistently endeavors to make a difference in women’s lives by offering them hope, strength, and progress.
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