A new study conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center has made an exciting discovery in cancer treatment. The research, led by Dr. Andrea Cercek and Dr. Luis Diaz Jr., focuses on a specific genetic mutation that allows certain cancers to grow unchecked.
The trial involved 103 patients with stages 1-3 solid tumors containing the mutation. To their surprise, 80% of these patients did not require further treatment, eliminating the need for surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. The remaining 20% saw significant improvement, with 65% experiencing a complete clinical response.
The best results were seen in patients with rectal cancer, all 49 of whom achieved a complete clinical response, meaning their tumors disappeared. This breakthrough is particularly significant as current treatments like surgery and radiation can have severe side effects, including infertility and daily challenges.
While this discovery shows immense promise, it’s essential to note that only 2-3% of early-stage solid tumors possess the same mutation targeted in the trial. The next step is to test the immunotherapy agent in combination with other treatments to further enhance its effectiveness.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/immunotherapy-cancer-mmrd-tumor-memorial-sloan-kettering-study