Keytruda shows promise in shrinking untreatable bowel tumors

NCT ID NCT05131919

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Netherlands Cancer Institute

    Amsterdam, 1066 CX, Netherlands