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Digestive Disease Interventions 2021; 05(01): 070-076
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1722266
Review Article

Advances in Immuno-oncology for the Treatment of Colorectal and Anal Cancers

Nataliya V. Uboha
1   Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
2   Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Patrick T. Grogan
1   Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
2   Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
,
Dustin A. Deming
1   Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
2   Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin
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Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors changed treatment paradigms across several malignancies. With the exception of tumors with microsatellite instability (MSI-H), gastrointestinal cancers have been largely resistant to these agents. Herein, we review the data supporting the use of immunotherapy for patients with (MSI-H) colorectal tumors. We discuss ongoing research and answered questions regarding resistance and sequence of use of these agents for this disease. We discuss ongoing research efforts to augment activity of these agents in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer. We also provide an overview of the data and ongoing studies immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of anal cancer.

Keywords

colorectal cancer - anal cancer - immune-oncology - immune checkpoint inhibitors - microsatellite instability - mismatch repair deficiency - clinical trials


Publication History

Received: 07 July 2020

Accepted: 25 November 2020

Article published online:
22 February 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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