Immunotherapy appears promising for a specific form of bowel cancer

A study in six Dutch hospitals showed that immunotherapy before surgery for non-metastatic colorectal cancer can lead to remarkable outcomes. Patients with specific DNA error characteristics received two immunotherapy treatments, stimulating their immune system to eliminate cancer cells. Following treatment, about 75 patients had no active cancer cells at surgery. Long-term results were also promising, with no cancer recurrence within five years, contrasting with a 20-40% recurrence rate in standard treatments. This immunotherapy approach is gaining traction internationally, and efforts are underway in the Netherlands to make it accessible for eligible patients.