Keytruda shows promise in shrinking untreatable bowel tumors

NCT ID NCT05131919

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: The Netherlands Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 25 adults with a specific type of advanced colorectal cancer (dMMR) that cannot be surgically removed. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink the tumors enough to make surgery possible. Treatment is given every three weeks for up to two years. The study is active but no longer recruiting new participants.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way to shrink advanced colorectal tumors enough to allow surgical removal, potentially avoiding the need for more aggressive treatments.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 25 participants. Not all patients may respond, and the treatment may cause side effects like immune-related inflammation. It is not a cure.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for COLORECTAL CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COLORECTAL CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Netherlands Cancer Institute

Amsterdam, 1066 CX, Netherlands

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.