Breakthrough in Rectal Cancer Treatment

A groundbreaking trial from Shandong Provincial Hospital in China has revealed promising results for patients facing locally advanced rectal cancer. The study, published in The Lancet Oncology, showcases how combining the PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab with traditional chemotherapy after short-course radiotherapy significantly boosts the pathologic complete response rates.

The Exciting Study Details

Conducted as a phase II open-label trial, the research involved 98 newly diagnosed patients between October 2021 and September 2023. Participants were split into two groups: one received a short-course radiotherapy regimen alongside six cycles of the chemotherapy drugs capecitabine and oxaliplatin. The other group received the same chemotherapy but without sintilimab. Total mesorectal excision surgery was performed 2 to 3 weeks after completing the treatment.

Astounding Results