Priming tumors to unlock Immunotherapy's power

NCT ID NCT03519412

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a two-step approach for people with metastatic colorectal cancer that doesn't respond well to standard treatments. First, patients received a drug called temozolomide to make their tumors more genetically unstable. Then, they received the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda). The goal was to see if this sequence could shrink tumors or slow their growth. The trial involved 107 participants and has been completed.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

temozolomide and pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with a type of colorectal cancer that usually doesn't respond to immunotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (Phase 2) with only 107 participants. The approach is complex and may not work for everyone. Temozolomide can cause side effects like low blood cell counts.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for METASTATIC 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 Microsatellite Instability

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda

    Milan, Italy

  • Istituto Clinico Humanitas

    Rozzano, Italy

  • Istituto Europeo di Oncologia

    Milan, Italy

  • Istituto Nazionale Tumori di Milano

    Milan, Italy