Revolutionary Cancer Treatment: 9-Week Immunotherapy Leads to Long-Term Remission
A groundbreaking clinical trial led by UK researchers has shown that a mere nine weeks of immunotherapy prior to surgery can keep colorectal cancer patients in remission for almost three years. This finding challenges traditional treatment methods and offers a new hope for patients.
The NEOPRISM-CRC study, spearheaded by researchers at University College London (UCL) and University College London Hospitals (UCLH), treated 32 patients diagnosed with stage two or three colorectal cancer. Instead of the conventional method of surgery followed by months of chemotherapy, patients were given pembrolizumab before surgery. After 33 months of follow-up, all patients remained cancer-free, marking a significant breakthrough.
The trial specifically targeted a genetic subtype known as MMR deficient/MSI-high bowel cancer. This subtype accounts for approximately 10-15% of colorectal cancer cases, affecting roughly 2,000-3,000 patients annually in the UK. Early results were promising, with 59% of patients showing no detectable cancer after completing immunotherapy and undergoing surgery.
This is a stark contrast to standard care, where about 25% of patients treated with surgery followed by chemotherapy experience a recurrence of their cancer within three years. The findings, presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, suggest that starting with immunotherapy could offer longer-lasting protection and potentially revolutionize treatment protocols.
Source: ScienceDaily