Could a cancer drug spare some patients from colon surgery?

NCT ID NCT05239546

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Iowa Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tests a drug called dostarlimab in 25 people with stage II or III colon cancer that has a specific genetic feature (dMMR). The drug is given before any surgery to see if it can shrink the tumor enough that surgery may not be needed. Participants receive the drug every few weeks for up to 1.5 years, and the main goal is to see how many achieve a major clinical response.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Dostarlimab (a drug given by IV that helps the immune system attack cancer cells)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow some patients with this type of colon cancer to avoid surgery by using only immunotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 25 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug may not work for all participants, and side effects from immune activation can occur.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colon carcinoma colonic neoplasm Lynch syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

COLON CANCER DMMR COLORECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
RECRUITING

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Wisconsin
RECRUITING

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States

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