Neoadjuvant Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy for Patients With Microsatellite Instability-High Colorectal Cancer: Shedding Light on the Future

JCO Oncol Pract. 2023 May;19(5):251-259. doi: 10.1200/OP.22.00762. Epub 2023 Mar 2.

Abstract

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment paradigm of mismatch repair-deficient/microsatellite instability-high (MMMR-D/MSI-H) colorectal cancer (CRC). Unique molecular features of MMR-D/MSI-H CRC with frameshift alterations, which result in mutation-associated neoantigen (MANA) generation, create an ideal molecular framework for MANA-driven T-cell priming and antitumor immunity. These biologic characteristics of MMR-D/MSI-H CRC resulted in rapid drug development with ICIs for patients with MMR-D/MSI-H CRC. Observed deep and durable responses with the use of ICIs in advanced-stage disease have stimulated the development of clinical trials with ICIs for patients with early-stage MMR-D/MSI-H CRC. Most recently, neoadjuvant dostarlimab monotherapy for nonoperative management of MMR-D/MSI-H rectal cancer and neoadjuvant NICHE trial with nivolumab and ipilimumab for MMR-D/MSI-H colon cancer resulted in groundbreaking results. Although nonoperative management of patients with MMR-D/MSI-H rectal cancer with ICIs will potentially define our current therapeutic approach, therapeutic goals of neoadjuvant ICI therapy for patients with MMR-D/MSI-H colon cancer may differ given that nonoperative management has not been well established for colon cancer. Herein, we overview recent advancements in ICI-based therapies for patients with early-stage MMR-D/MSI-H colon and rectal cancer and elaborate on the future treatment paradigm of this unique subgroup of CRC.

MeSH terms

  • Colonic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Colorectal Neoplasms* / genetics
  • DNA Mismatch Repair
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / pharmacology
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Microsatellite Instability
  • Neoadjuvant Therapy
  • Rectal Neoplasms*

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors