Immunotherapy treatment Jemperli

Hi Neuro72 

I've never heard of it but I haven't been looking. There is someone on here who was on a trial which used immunotherapy on top of the chemo and radiotherapy hopefully she will pick up on your post. Xx

Hi Neuro72 

This drug goes by the name Dostarlimab, but I can only find reference to it being used in very specific cases of rectal cancer, rather than anal cancer.

The type of cancer it is used for needs to have a very specific gene mutation so is not suitable for everyone.

This is copied from the trial criteria

Starting criteria

Patients must satisfy all of the following criteria. Treatment may be considered in patients who:

• have histologically confirmed Stage II (T3-T4, N0) or III (any T, N+), locally advanced rectal cancer
• have dMMR/MSI-H tumour status determined using a validated testing method
• have not received prior radiation therapy, systemic therapy, or surgery for management of rectal cancer
• do not have metastatic or recurrent disease
• have not experienced a Grade ≥ 3 adverse event to a prior immunotherapy
• are not pregnant. Patients of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception.

It would seem, according to this, that it’s not used after radiotherapy or systemic treatment( chemo for example), so it is used as a first line treatment.

Sarah xx

Hello Neuro72

I haven't heard of it either but Sarah has given a very comprehensive outline of what it is and the guidelines of how it is given.

If it works it sounds most promising.

Irene xx

Hi Irene

The results have been very good on a small trial, but this was for locally advanced rectal cancer with a specific gene mutation, so like all trials the criteria to join is very specific and the trial was for rectal cancer rather than anal.  However it is certainly good news for those who will be able to access this treatment going forward.

Sarah xx

Thank you Sarah - I read it in a hurry before going out this morning! xx

No worries Irene-easily done! 

Sarah xx