New Hope for Some Cancer Patients: Skipping Surgery with Immunotherapy
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine shows a promising way to treat certain early-stage cancers without surgery. Researchers found that patients with a special type of cancer — called mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) tumors — responded very well to immunotherapy before surgery.
In the study, patients were given a drug called dostarlimab for six months. The drug helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Doctors then checked if the cancer had disappeared. If it had, patients could skip surgery. If the cancer was still there, they would move forward with surgery.
The results were exciting:
82% of patients had their cancer completely disappear after immunotherapy.
92% of all patients were still cancer-free two years later.
Most patients avoided surgery altogether.
Side effects were mostly mild and manageable.
Why This Matters for Cancer Patients
Traditionally, surgery has been the main way to cure early-stage cancer. However, surgery can have life-changing effects, like losing important organs or dealing with long-term health problems. For example, rectal cancer surgery often affects bowel and fertility functions.
This new treatment offers a different path — fighting cancer while preserving the body and avoiding the risks of surgery. It’s especially important for people with dMMR tumors, which make up about 2–3% of early-stage solid tumors.
For patients, this means:
Fewer life-altering surgeries.
Better quality of life.
More time to recover with fewer complications.
However, this approach is still being studied. Larger clinical trials are needed to confirm the results, especially for cancers outside the rectum, like stomach, colon, and bladder cancers.
Bottom Line
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with a dMMR tumor, this research offers hope for a future where surgery might not always be necessary. Always ask your oncologist about the latest treatments and whether clinical trials could be a good option.
Reference
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This blog was reviewed by Dr. Sourabh Kharait.
This blog is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan, hydration strategies, or diet. The information provided here is based on general insights and may not apply to individual circumstances.
