Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 13, 2026
08:43
Orthotopic Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer
Published on: December 4, 2007
47.2K
Updates on immunotherapy for colorectal cancer
Aparna Kalyan1,2, Sheetal Kircher2, Hiral Shah1,2
1Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology
|March 23, 2018
Summary
Immunotherapy shows promise for metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in microsatellite unstable tumors. Research is ongoing for new immune agents to improve survival rates for advanced CRC patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) has a poor 5-year survival rate of approximately 12% despite current therapies.
- Immunotherapy has shown limited success in CRC compared to other cancers.
- A subset of CRC tumors, known as microsatellite unstable (MSI-H) CRC, demonstrates significant response to immunotherapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of immunotherapy approaches for colorectal cancer.
- To highlight the role of immunotherapy in MSI-H CRC.
- To discuss emerging immune agents and combination therapies for CRC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of immunotherapy in colorectal cancer.
- Analysis of clinical trial data for immune agents in CRC.
- Examination of FDA approvals and ongoing research for CRC immunotherapy.
Main Results:
- Pembrolizumab is FDA-approved for MSI-H CRC, showing profound response rates.
- Immunotherapy's efficacy varies significantly based on tumor mutational status.
- Several novel immune agents, including IDO inhibitors and vaccines, are under investigation.
Conclusions:
- Immunotherapy is a key therapeutic strategy for MSI-H colorectal cancer.
- Further research into novel immune agents and combinatorial approaches is crucial for improving outcomes in broader CRC populations.
- Targeting the immune system holds significant potential for future CRC treatment paradigms.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
2.0K
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
2.0K
02:18Cancer
54.5K
Cancers arise due to mutations in genes involved in the regulation of cell division, which leads to unrestricted cell proliferation. Modern science and medicine have made great strides in the understanding and treatment of cancer, including eradicating cancer in some patients. However, there is still no cure for cancer. This is largely due to the fact that cancer is a large group of many diseases.
54.5K
02:12What is Cancer?
14.5K
Cells and tissues must meticulously coordinate their activities for the normal functioning of the human body. Therefore, they exhibit socially responsible behavior - resting, growing, dividing, differentiating, or dying - for the organism’s benefit. Cancer arises when cells divide uncontrollably and invade other tissues or organs.
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
Although people have known about cancer for centuries, it was only in 1761 that Giovanni Morgagni of Padua performed a detailed autopsy of...
14.5K
02:59Cancer Prevention
8.2K
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
8.2K
02:49Cancer Therapies
10.2K
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
10.2K
01:30Cancer Vaccines
1.1K
Cancer treatment vaccines are a rapidly evolving field that offers a promising approach to immunotherapy. Unlike traditional vaccines that prevent diseases, cancer treatment vaccines are designed to treat existing cancers by stimulating the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
1.1K