Immunotherapy effective for colon cancer?

Immunotherapy is a treatment for various tumor types. A lot of research is currently conducted looking into the efficacy of immunotherapy for other cancer types. Immunotherapy has only proved effective for a particular group of colon cancer patients. Immunotherapy is not a standard treatment for colon cancer.

A lot of research is being conducted into ways in which we can determine which patients may benefit from immunotherapy, either on its own or in combination with chemotherapy or other treatment.

As a research institute, we strive to include patients in trial-based treatments whenever possible. At the Netherlands Cancer Institute, we have several running trials looking into immunotherapy for colon cancer. 

We have inclusion and exclusion criteria, which are carefully assessed by our specialists before our patients can participate in trials. These trials concern combinations of existing immunotherapy treatments and experimental treatments for patients who can no longer benefit from regular treatment. 

One example of such a trial is the NICHE trial, which looks into immunotherapy for non-metastatic colon cancer patients waiting for surgical treatment.

The Netherlands Cancer Institute is always working on the establishment of new trials. Patients with non-metastatic colon cancer may be eligible for treatment with immunotherapy as part of a trial in the future. Your specialist can tell you more about your treatment and trial options.