Could a single drug replace surgery for rectal cancer?
NCT ID NCT07740720
First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether giving the immunotherapy drug dostarlimab for a longer period can completely eliminate tumors in people with a specific genetic type of rectal cancer. Participants have stage II or III rectal cancer that is mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H). The goal is to see if more people achieve a complete response, avoiding the need for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Doctors will monitor tumor disappearance and how long the cancer stays under control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- dostarlimab, an immunotherapy drug
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a way to cure certain rectal cancers without the need for chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery, preserving quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- The trial is still in phase 3b and results are not guaranteed. Some participants may not respond fully, and immunotherapy can cause side effects. Longer treatment may not improve outcomes for everyone.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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