Immunotherapy for advanced mismatch-repair-deficient colorectal cancer
Nivolumab plus ipilimumab held off cancer growth far longer than chemotherapy.
What studies found
In the randomized CheckMate 8HW trial, people with untreated MSI-H or mismatch-repair-deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer that had spread or could not be removed got nivolumab plus ipilimumab or chemotherapy as their first treatment. On chemotherapy, half had their cancer grow or died within 5.8 months; on immunotherapy that point had not yet been reached. The FDA approved the combination on April 8, 2025.
The catch
Overall survival results were not yet available at approval. It works only for tumors that test MSI-H or dMMR, and immune-related side effects can be serious.
What to do
Ask whether your tumor has been tested for MMR or MSI status.
Sources
Rung 4 of 5, Strong: At least one large randomized trial, or very large consistent studies, on this exact question. How we score
Step by step
For the whole picture, from prevention and screening to treatment and life after, see the colorectal cancer page.
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