Could keytruda before surgery boost colorectal cancer outcomes?

NCT ID NCT03984578

Completed Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Centre, Singapore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) along with chemotherapy before surgery can help shrink colorectal tumors and improve immune response. Thirty-three patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer received the drugs, then had surgery. Researchers measured changes in tumor immune activity and shrinkage to see if this approach might be beneficial.

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) and chemotherapy (CAPEOX or capecitabine/5-FU with radiation)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could improve tumor shrinkage and immune response before surgery, potentially leading to better outcomes for colorectal cancer patients.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase study (33 participants) focused on biological markers, not survival. Results may not apply to all patients, and side effects from chemo and immunotherapy can be serious.

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 ADENOCARCINOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal adenocarcinoma 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

National Cancer Centre Singapore

Singapore, 168583, Singapore
Sengkang General Hospital

Singapore, 544886, Singapore
Singapore General Hospital

Singapore, 169608, Singapore

More trials for these conditions

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