Doctors from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center released a new study, named the “TORCH” study, that confirmed the effectiveness of an Immunity-Based Total Neoadjuvant Therapy (iTNT) in enhancing the treatment response for locally advanced rectal cancer. This approach achieved a complete response rate, meaning the disappearance of all signs of cancer in the body, exceeding 50%, offering a new option to achieve sphincter preservation.
The occurrence of rectal cancer ranks second in Shanghai after lung cancer. The five-year survival rate for rectal cancer patients reached over 87% at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. However, chances for organ-preservation are slim for some patients with low rectal cancer.
Among all rectal cancer cases, about 80% are proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable(pMMR/MSS) colorectal cancers. These patients are not responsive to immunotherapy.
In this context, 130 patients were enrolled in the study, and 121 of them were proficient mismatch repair or microsatellite stable colorectal cancer patients, who were evaluable.
The doctors tested the effectiveness of the iTNT, a therapy involving short-course radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, for these patients.
Dr. Zhang Zhen, Director of Department of Radiation Oncology at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center told ShanghaiEye Reporter that they divided the patients into two groups, one receiving chemotherapy and immunotherapy first and the other receiving radiotherapy first. The results showed that both approaches were highly effective, with pathological and clinical complete response rates of 56% and 54%, respectively. The treatment provides a promising option for preserving the organ and its function.
The doctor said this study is the first in the world to confirm the effectiveness and safety of this treatment regimen. It was published in the “Journal of Clinical Oncology” earlier this month.
