Dostarlimab eliminates tumors, allowing some cancer patients to avoid surgery

A new immunotherapy drug, dostarlimab, has shown the potential to eliminate tumors in some early-stage cancer patients, potentially allowing them to avoid surgery. In a study, 82 out of 103 participants responded so well to dostarlimab that they no longer needed surgery. The study focused on patients with a specific genetic mutation, and all 49 rectal cancer patients avoided surgery after treatment. While promising, the study was conducted at a single hospital and included a select group of patients. Researchers are working to expand the study and explore combining immunotherapy with other approaches.