Immune Treatment May Work Against Several Cancer Types
A groundbreaking study has revealed that immune treatment may work against several cancer types, potentially replacing surgery as the primary treatment in many cases. With its impressive success rate and minimally invasive nature, this therapy is gaining recognition across the medical community.
The Beginning of a New Era in Cancer Treatment
In a compelling presentation at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting, scientists shared data from a study using immune-based therapy to shrink tumors. This innovative method empowers the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. As a result, 92% of patients treated without surgery showed no evidence of cancer two years later.
Hope Without Surgery: The Power of Immunotherapy
This therapy avoids the harsh side effects of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Instead, it uses checkpoint inhibitors—drugs that help immune cells recognize and attack cancer. One such drug, dostarlimab, has shown excellent outcomes in early trials.
A Personal Story: Beating Cancer with Immunity
Maureen Sideris, 71, was diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction cancer in 2022. Traditionally, she would have undergone surgery and months of additional treatment. However, she joined Dr. Andrea Cercek’s clinical trial and received dostarlimab monthly. Eventually, after nine months, her cancer was gone—without ever needing surgery. “It was the easiest part of the whole thing,” she recalls.
Expanding Benefits Beyond Rectal Cancer
Initially tested in rectal cancer, this immune therapy now targets other cancers, including colon, stomach, esophagus, small bowel, endometrium, and urothelial cancers. Among these groups, non-rectal cancer patients showed promising results, as 64% had no detectable disease after a year. When combined, 92% of all participants were cancer-free after two years.
Why This Immune Treatment Is Revolutionary
Dr. Cercek, a leading oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, emphasizes that this therapy could soon replace traditional protocols. Patients benefit from shorter recovery, fewer complications, and preserved fertility. Moreover, the treatment is particularly effective in tumors with certain genetic mutations (like dMMR or MSI-H).
Because of this, the FDA has granted fast track designation to dostarlimab for use in cancers with these mutations, and clinical guidelines now recommend it for qualifying patients.
What’s Next in Immunotherapy?
Dr. Cercek and her team continue to track long-term outcomes and are exploring how to help patients who initially didn’t respond. Consequently, the objective is clear: expand the reach of immunotherapy to even more cancer types and make it a standard first-line treatment.
A Shift in Cancer Care Philosophy
This research signals a paradigm shift. Rather than relying solely on invasive procedures, doctors are looking to the immune system for answers. Immunotherapy offers new hope by minimizing side effects while enhancing effectiveness. Most importantly, it shows that immune treatment may work against several cancer types, including those in later stages.
Conclusion: A Promising Future for Cancer Patients
The future of cancer treatment is changing. With immune-based therapies like checkpoint inhibitors, patients could live longer, healthier lives without the burden of traditional treatments. As research progresses, these options may become widely available, bringing hope to millions worldwide.
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Sources:
https://time.com/7280610/cancer-immunotherapy-dostarlimab-andrea-cercek
https://static.bundle.app/studio/7d115150-b440-45da-aeb3-6636aa37edde/index.html
