Is there a long-term benefit to immunotherapy in colorectal cancer?

Linda H. Rodgers-Fouché - CGA-IGC Research Committee

Credit: National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/legalcode

Immunotherapy has garnered much excitement from researchers, oncologists, and cancer patients since its early days. It offers a new paradigm in cancer care where the immune system’s natural cancer-fighting abilities are aided and enhanced. Recent studies have demonstrated immunotherapy (e.g., immune checkpoint therapy) improves survival for patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). In most cases, immunotherapy is discontinued after two years, yet there is little data on survival and recurrence for patients after ending treatment.