In 2020, over 1.9 million worldwide were diagnosed with colorectal cancer, with projections reaching 3.2 million by 2040. Some cases involve tumors with mismatch repair deficiency (dMMR) and high microsatellite instability (MSI-H), making treatment challenging.
A recent study presented at the 2024 ASCO Annual Meeting revealed that pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, administered pre-surgery, significantly improved outcomes for stage two or three dMMR/MSI-H colorectal cancer patients. Led by Kai-Keen Shiu, the study involved 32 participants. Shiu emphasized the limitations of traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which often fail to cure cancer.
Pembrolizumab, approved by the U.S. FDA in 2020, enhances the immune system’s ability to recognize and eliminate cancer cells, particularly in MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer.
The NEOPRISM-CRC phase II trial administered three cycles of pembrolizumab before surgery. Results showed over 50% of participants had no signs of cancer post-surgery, a marked improvement over chemotherapy.
As reported by Medical News Today, Shiu highlighted that post-surgery relapse rates with traditional treatments are 20-30% within three years. Further research aims to validate these findings and refine immunotherapy for colorectal cancer.
Anton Bilchik, a surgical oncologist, found the study significant, noting the high percentage of early-stage patients with no tumors post-treatment. Glenn S. Parker, vice chairman of surgery at Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center, stressed the need for long-term follow-up and ongoing clinical trials to refine treatment strategies.