Researchers Report First Effective Use of Immunotherapy for Most Common Subtype of Colorectal Cancer

Author(s):

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Key Takeaways

Immunotherapy using botensilimab and balstilimab showed effectiveness in 73% of MSS colorectal cancer patients in a phase I trial.
The benefit of the treatment was limited to patients without active liver metastases.
Nearly 25% of patients had a major response to the combination therapy.
The promising phase I results have led to plans for a phase III trial, involving Schlechter and Dana-Farber investigators.

Benjamin L. Schlechter, MD

Summary

Despite significant advances in immunotherapy for various cancers, immune based treatments for microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, the most common subtype, have remained ineffective. In this study, researchers report the first safe and effective use of immunotherapy for MSS colorectal cancer that is resistant to chemotherapy. In a phase I clinical trial, 73% of patients whose cancer benefited from the combination therapy of immune checkpoint inhibitors botensilimab and balstilimab, but the benefit was limited to patients without active liver metastases. Nearly a quarter of patients had a major response to treatment.

Impact

These clinical trial results point to the first safe and effective use of immunotherapy for patients with MSS colorectal cancer, the most common subtype of the disease. The encouraging results of this phase I trial have prompted investigators to move forward with a phase III trial of this immunotherapy combination. Schlechter and Dana-Farber investigators will have a leading role in the upcoming phase III trial.