Rectal cancer disappearing with Dostarlimab

Hello doctors on FacMedicine.com

We have an exciting new development in cancer treatment. Newly published research in New England Journal of Medicine shows complete remission of rectal cancer with Dostarlimab.

Dostarlimab is a monoclonal antibody of the IgG-4 isotype. It binds to programmed death receptor-1 or PD-1 receptors of T-lymphocytes which stops interaction between PD-1 of T-cells and PDL-1 and PDL-2 of tumor cells. This blocking of PD-1 restores cytotoxic activity of T-lymphocytes, effectively inhibiting anti-tumor response of cancer cells. It was previously used to treat advanced or recurrent endometrial cancers, especially in patients with mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).

In the phase – II of study conducted by Andrea Cercek, M.D, single agent Dostarlimab was administered to patients with mismatch repair–deficient stage II or III rectal adenocarcinoma. Antibody was given at 3 weeks interval over 6 months. All 12 patients who were administered the drug were found cancer free without additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. No evidence of rectal cancer was found in patients on PET scan, MRI, or biopsy on 6 to 24 months of follow up.

It was concluded by the research team that anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody effectively treats local rectal adenocarcinoma with mismatch repair deficit. The result will need to be repeated for better conclusions but so far it looks promising.

We hope you found this development interesting. For future updates stay tuned.


Dr Ayesha Ahmed

MBBS