Immunotherapy replaces surgery for early-stage dMMR cancers in landmark study

Immunotherapy Breakthrough Could Help Some Cancer Patients Avoid Surgery and Chemotherapy

An immuno-based treatment targeting cancer cells with mismatch repair-deficiency could help those with the disease treat tumors without having chemotherapy or surgery, according to new research published in 'The New England Journal of Medicine.'

Immunotherapy replaces surgery for early-stage dMMR cancers in landmark study

Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade with dostarlimab achieved high rates of organ preservation in patients with early-stage mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) solid tumors across multiple types. Most patients avoided surgery with durable disease control, reshaping potential cancer treatment pathways.

Organ Preservation Noted With Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab in dMMR Tumors

A phase 2 study found a complete clinical response of 82% with neoadjuvant dostarlimab in dMMR solid tumors.

Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab Eradicates Disease in 82% of Mismatch Repair–Deficient Solid Tumors

Eighty percent of patients with early-stage dMMR solid tumors given neoadjuvant dostarlimab underwent nonoperative management of their disease.

AACR 2025: High Response Rates With Dostarlimab Suggest New Standard for dMMR Treatment

Dostarlimab in the neoadjuvant setting yielded a 100% clinical complete response in patients with rectal cancer.