#United States #Los Angeles #Immunotherapy #Clinical Trial #Stand Up To Cancer

A Revolutionary Step in Cancer Treatment

In an exciting development for cancer treatment, a clinical trial funded by Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and led by researchers at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) has revealed that immunotherapy may replace traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation for specific types of solid tumors. Published in the New England Journal of Medicine and highlighted at the 2025 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, the results are monumental for those battling cancer.

Trial Findings

The clinical trial demonstrated that 80% of participants receiving immunotherapy did not require standard treatments after six months. This study primarily targeted patients with non-rectal intercoded mismatch repair-deficient (MMRd) cancers, including gastroesophageal, hepatobiliary, colon, genitourinary, and gynecologic cancers. These types of cancers, often more challenging to treat, showed an increased responsiveness to immunotherapy due to their unique genetic defects.

Julian Adams, Ph.D., the president and CEO of Stand Up To Cancer, emphasized the importance of these findings: “This study represents a significant shift in treatment for a number of solid tumor cancers. Eliminating invasive surgeries not only saves lives but also enhances the quality of life for patients.”

The trial was spearheaded by Dr. Luis Diaz Jr. and Dr. Andrea Cercek, both esteemed gastrointestinal oncologists at MSK. This groundbreaking research expands upon previous studies funded by SU2C, showcasing that for rectal cancer patients, tumors completely disappeared without requiring traditional treatments.

A New Standard of Care

Since 2017, SU2C has supported the Colorectal Cancer Dream Team in innovating strategies to detect and treat colorectal cancer, utilizing advances in genetics, biology, and the immune system. This trial exemplifies the effectiveness of their research, offering hope for a less invasive, less toxic, and equally effective cancer treatment method. Dr. Diaz expressed excitement about the potential change in treatment protocols, stating: “Without Stand Up To Cancer, this research and these results would not have been possible.”

A Survivor's Perspective

A remarkable success story that exemplifies the trial's success comes from Maureen Sideris, a 71-year-old cancer survivor. Diagnosed with gastroesophageal junction cancer in 2022, she was initially concerned about undergoing invasive surgery. After participating in the trial and receiving only immunotherapy, she experienced no need for additional treatments. Maureen described her experience as akin to “winning the lottery,” highlighting not only the life-saving aspect of the treatment but also the preservation of her quality of life.

Having previously survived colorectal cancer, Maureen has been an avid supporter of SU2C. “We couldn't donate our money to a better cause because it’s something that is going to help everyone impacted by cancer, now and in the future,” she remarked, underscoring the profound impact of SU2C's funding on cancer research.

About Stand Up To Cancer

Founded in 2008, Stand Up To Cancer is a charitable organization focused on raising awareness and funds for cancer research. With over 3,100 scientists engaged in SU2C-funded projects, the organization aims to foster innovative cancer treatments and increase public understanding of prevention strategies. Their collaborative approach to research has significantly advanced the field, making strides in the fight against cancer.

For further details and updates, visit Stand Up To Cancer.