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Promising New Combo Treatment for Rectal Cancer Shows Good Results

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Efficacy and safety of neoadjuvant therapy combined with immunotherapy in MMR‑proficientmicrosatellite stable non‑metastatic rectal cancer DOI 10.1007s00432-025-06387-4

A new treatment approach for rectal cancer is showing hope. It combines standard therapy with immunotherapy before surgery. This type of treatment is being tested in patients with a certain kind of rectal cancer called “MMR-proficient” or “microsatellite stable” rectal cancer. These cancers don’t usually respond well to immunotherapy alone.

Researchers looked at results from 18 studies to see how well this new combination works. They found that 35% of patients had no cancer left when the tissue was checked after surgery. Another 58% had major shrinkage of their tumor. About 84% were able to keep their anus, meaning fewer needed a permanent bag (stoma).

The study also found that short-course radiation worked better than long-course radiation in helping the tumor shrink. It gave higher rates of full and major response.

Importantly, the treatment was safe. Serious side effects from the immune therapy were rare—only 1%. Surgery-related problems happened in about 6% of patients.

This combined approach could be a strong option for people with this type of rectal cancer. It may help avoid more invasive surgery while still giving great results. But more high-quality research is needed.

If you or someone you know has rectal cancer, speak to a cancer specialist to see if new combination treatments are available.

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Dr. Harsh J Shah
Dr Harsh Shah - GI & HPB Oncosurgeon in India
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