Recent research has shown that immunotherapy can effectively replace surgery for certain cancers, particularly in patients with mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) solid tumors. A groundbreaking clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine revealed that approximately 80% of patients treated with immunotherapy did not require surgery. Notably, 100% of patients with rectal cancer achieved a complete clinical response, meaning all signs of cancer disappeared. Additionally, 65% of patients with other types of MMRd cancers experienced tumor disappearance. This approach offers a less invasive alternative to traditional treatments, potentially preserving organ function and enhancing patients’ quality of life .
Immunotherapy works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. In the context of MMRd cancers, this treatment has demonstrated significant efficacy. For instance, a study involving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab showed that 59% of patients with stage two or three bowel cancer had no signs of cancer after treatment, eliminating the need for surgery in many cases . These findings suggest that immunotherapy could become a standard treatment option for patients with MMRd cancers, offering a less invasive and potentially more effective alternative to traditional surgical interventions. Click for More Details
