Watching and waiting after immunotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT06477991 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2024 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a new approach for patients with locally advanced colorectal cancer who have a specific genetic marker (called dMMR or MSI-H). You would first receive immunotherapy to shrink the tumor, then instead of automatically having surgery, doctors would use special blood tests to check if any cancer remains. If the blood tests show no sign of disease, you might be able to skip surgery and simply be monitored closely instead.

Surgery for colorectal cancer can have serious side effects and affect quality of life. This trial wants to see if some patients who respond very well to immunotherapy can avoid surgery altogether while staying safe, using new blood tests to guide that decision.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with locally advanced colorectal cancer (stages II or III)
your tumor has been confirmed to have specific genetic features (dMMR or MSI-H)
you have not had previous colorectal cancer surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy
imaging tests confirm your cancer has not spread to distant parts of your body
you do not have signs of bowel obstruction, or it has been relieved with prior surgery

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a history of HIV infection or active hepatitis B or C
you have an autoimmune disease or active severe infection
you have had previous pelvic or abdominal radiation therapy
you have a history of another cancer in the past 5 years (except skin cancer or cervical pre-cancer)
you have chronic inflammatory bowel disease or untreated seizure disorder

What participation looks like

You would receive immunotherapy treatment, then have regular blood tests and imaging to monitor how well the cancer is responding. If blood tests show no remaining disease, you would enter a 'watch and wait' phase with close follow-up visits instead of having surgery. If tests show cancer is still present, you would then proceed to surgery as planned. The study involves a single center and is enrolling about 22 patients total.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 14, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Yunnan Cancer Hospital, Kunming, Yunnan