An Exciting Breakthrough in Colorectal Cancer Treatment: Immunotherapy
Recent research conducted in New York City has revealed a potential game-changer in the treatment of colorectal cancer, a disease that has reached epidemic levels among young people. The study found that a drug called botensilimab (BOT) can effectively shrink tumors by up to 90% and push them out of the bowel wall, significantly reducing the likelihood of the cancer spreading and becoming terminal. This breakthrough treatment could potentially eliminate the need for chemotherapy after surgery, addressing an “unmet need” for colorectal cancer patients who do not respond well to traditional treatments.
Dr. Pashtoon Kasi, director for colon cancer and liquid biopsy research at Weill Cornell Medicine in NYC, stated, “There’s been a rise in young individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s getting diagnosed with advanced or metastatic colorectal cancers. We desperately need more treatment options to meet this unmet need.” Immunotherapy, which harnesses the patient’s own immune system to fight cancer, has shown remarkable results in the past; however, it is not effective for the majority of patients. Approximately 85% of colorectal cancer patients do not respond to immunotherapy because their tumors are not highly mutated, classifying them as “mismatch repair proficient.”
Enter botensilimab. This drug offers promise for the patients who do not respond to immunotherapy. Dr. Kasi explained, “The main focus of the study is to address the unmet need of immunotherapy for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments.” The study included 12 colorectal cancer patients aged 26 to 78, all in stages 1 through 3 of the disease. They received two doses of BOT through a 30-60-minute infusion two weeks apart and were able to undergo surgery as early as one week later.
Preliminary results showed a remarkable “killing” effect on the cancer cells, ranging from 80 to 90 percent. The most common side effect reported was fever, which was more frequently observed in female participants. In addition to shrinking tumors, BOT also caused unexpected behavior in the cancer cells. Instead of spreading deeper into the colon, the tumors were pushed out through the bowel wall. This prevented further spread and, in some cases, even reduced the stage of the cancer from stage 3 to stage 1.
It is important to note that this study had a small sample size and the results are still preliminary. However, with the rising rates of colorectal cancer among young people, this finding provides hope for a much-needed breakthrough in treatment. Colorectal cancer rates are expected to double in young people by 2030, making it the leading cause of cancer deaths in individuals under 50.
The causes behind this concerning trend are still being studied. Unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and alcohol consumption have traditionally been blamed, but recent research has revealed conflicting results. A study suggested a link between red meat and sugar consumption and an increased risk of colorectal cancer among young people. Conversely, a 2021 study found that early-onset cancer patients were less likely to be obese or smokers compared to older patients.
Other factors such as being born via C-section, prolonged antibiotic use, and the presence of certain fungi in tumors have also been associated with increased risk. The impact of these environmental factors on the gut microbiome may play a role in the development of colorectal cancer, even in cases of limited exposure during early life.
Diagnosing colorectal cancer can be challenging due to its symptoms often resembling other conditions. However, some symptoms to watch out for include abdominal pain, blood in the stool, diarrhea, and iron-deficiency anemia. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms persist. Unfortunately, many patients with colorectal cancer symptoms are initially misdiagnosed, resulting in delayed diagnosis and more advanced stages of the disease.
Given the rising rates of colorectal cancer among young adults, the US Preventive Services Taskforce has recently lowered the screening age from 50 to 45 years old. This entails a colonoscopy, a procedure that allows doctors to visually examine the intestines for any abnormalities.
In conclusion, botensilimab shows enormous potential in the treatment of colorectal cancer, particularly for patients who do not respond to traditional treatments. While the study has limitations, the findings offer hope for a new approach to combatting this devastating disease. With further research and advancements, this type of treatment may also be applicable to other types of cancer in the future.
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