Patients remain cancer-free nearly 3 years after receiving experimental immunotherapy
All participants in an experimental immunotherapy trial for bowel cancer remained cancer-free nearly three years after treatment, according to researchers at University College London and UCL Hospitals. The trial involved 32 patients with MMR-deficient or MSI-high tumors who received pembrolizumab before surgery instead of standard chemotherapy. The results suggest this approach could be more effective than current standard care for certain high-risk bowel cancer patients.
- ▪The trial included 32 patients with stage 2 or 3 bowel cancer who had MMR-deficient or MSI-high tumors.
- ▪Patients received pembrolizumab for up to nine weeks before surgery instead of post-surgical chemotherapy.
- ▪59% of patients showed no signs of cancer at the time of surgery, and none had cancer recurrence after 33 months.
- ▪Under standard chemotherapy, about 25% of similar patients would experience cancer recurrence within three years.
- ▪Dr. Kai-Keen Shiu, a consultant medical oncologist at UCLH, stated the results are highly encouraging for high-risk bowel cancer treatment.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Health Patients remain cancer-free nearly 3 years after receiving experimental immunotherapy Under standard chemo, about 25% of patients with this genetic profile would see cancer return within three years By Khloe Quill Fox News Published May 4, 2026 5:02pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google close Video 'Remarkable' results of cancer trial shared by both patient and doctor Emma Dimery, a Minnesota woman who had stage 4 colon cancer, shares how an experimental trial led by Dr. Emil Lou at the University of Minnesota saved her life. The patient and doctor both discuss.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Fox News.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Fox News
