Colorrectal Cancer
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Oct 12 – Oct 19, 2026
Efficacy and Safety of Fruquintinib Plus TAS-102 in Patients With Previously Treated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Results From a Single-Arm, Multi-Center, Phase II Study.
MEDCOMM · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/195TOP-TIER
This prospective, multicenter, single-arm phase II trial evaluated fruquintinib plus TAS-102 in 50 patients with previously treated metastatic colorectal cancer who had failed at least two standard therapies. With a median follow-up of 25.1 months, the median progression-free survival was 6.07 months (95% CI: 4.07-7.87) and median overall survival was 14.10 months (95% CI: 9.84-23.28), with an objective response rate of 10.0% and disease control rate of 66.0%. All patients experienced treatment-related adverse events, with 68.0% having grade ≥3 events, but no serious adverse events or deaths were reported. The authors concluded that fruquintinib plus TAS-102 demonstrated preliminary anti-tumor activity with a manageable safety profile in refractory metastatic colorectal cancer.
10.1002/mco2.71070
Sep 28 – Oct 05, 2026
Microwave ablation versus stereotactic body radiotherapy for oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases (LAVA-CRLM): a prospective, randomised, phase II trial.
LANCET REG HEALTH-EU · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/185TOP-TIER
This prospective, randomised, phase II trial at two Danish centres compared microwave ablation (MWA) versus stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for oligometastatic colorectal liver metastases in adults with one to three lesions ≤4.0 cm. One hundred patients were randomised 1:1, with 92 in the modified intention-to-treat analysis; the primary endpoint was freedom from local progression and toxicity was assessed in the safety population. At median follow-up of 34.9 months, 1-year freedom from local progression was 77.7% with MWA versus 83.0% with SBRT (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.43-1.74; p=0.70), while grade ≥2 treatment-related toxicity occurred in 25% of MWA patients versus 3% of SBRT patients, including one treatment-related death with MWA. The authors concluded that SBRT had a more favourable safety profile with no detected difference in local progression, supporting SBRT as a non-invasive option for selected patients.
10.1016/j.lanepe.2026.101879
Tumor-Free Circulating Tumor DNA in Node-Negative Rectal Cancers Undergoing Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy, Excision, and Observation in the Phase II NEO Trial (CO.28).
JCO PRECIS ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #57/326
This prospective biomarker analysis within the phase II NEO trial (CO.28) evaluated circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) using the Guardant Reveal epigenomic assay in 53 of 58 patients with cT1-3, node-negative rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by transanal excision. ctDNA was detected in 45.8% of patients pre-chemotherapy, decreased significantly to 8.7% post-chemotherapy and pre-TES (P < .0001). Post-chemotherapy ctDNA detection was associated with poor response and persistent cancer (P = .03), with 100% (4/4) of ctDNA-positive patients recommended for TME versus 38.1% (16/42) of ctDNA-negative patients. The authors conclude that ctDNA testing can identify inadequate responders and may support organ preservation decisions in early-stage rectal cancer.
10.1200/PO-26-00459
A Phase II Study of Nivolumab and Ipilimumab with Radiation Therapy in Patients with Metastatic, Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This multicenter, open-label, single-arm Phase II trial evaluated combined non-ablative radiation therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab in 30 patients with previously treated microsatellite stable metastatic colorectal cancer. The primary endpoint was objective response rate in unirradiated lesions, which was 10.0%, with disease control rate 33.3%; irradiated lesions showed ORR 13.3% and DCR 83.3%. Responses were higher in patients without liver metastases (25.0%) versus those with liver metastases (4.6%), with median PFS of 2.4 months and median OS of 12.8 months. The combination demonstrated selective clinical activity and acceptable toxicity, with grade 4 lymphopenia in 10% of patients.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-1261
Anterior tumour location as a risk factor for local recurrence after laparoscopic surgery for stage I ultra-low rectal cancers: exploratory analysis of the Ultimate trial.
BJS OPEN · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #19/312
This exploratory analysis of the Ultimate trial, a multicentre prospective phase II study across 47 Japanese institutions (2014-2017), evaluated anterior tumour location as a risk factor for local recurrence after laparoscopic resection in 297 patients with stage I ultra-low rectal cancer. Patients with cT1-2 N0 M0 tumours within 5 cm of the anal verge were categorized as anterior (10-2 o’clock; n=93, 31.3%) or non-anterior (n=204). At a median follow-up of 37.2 months, the 3-year cumulative local recurrence rate was 11.9% for anterior versus 3.0% for non-anterior tumours (HR 4.46; 95% c.i. 1.67-11.89; P=0.001), with an independent association on multivariable analysis (HR 4.68; 95% c.i. 1.72-12.74). The authors conclude that anterior location in the ultra-low rectum increases local recurrence risk, particularly in cT2 patients, warranting refined treatment strategies and vigilant monitoring.
10.1093/bjsopen/zrag128
Sep 21 – Sep 28, 2026
Aspirin after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases (ASAC): a multicentre, phase 3, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
LANCET GASTROENTEROL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #2/147TOP-TIER
This phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated whether adjuvant aspirin improves disease-free survival after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases. A total of 466 patients were randomized, with 428 initiating treatment (217 aspirin, 211 placebo) across 14 centers in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. Aspirin did not improve disease-free survival (HR 1.08, 95.44% CI 0.85-1.38; p=0.58), with median DFS of 1.13 vs 1.40 years, and was associated with lower 36-month overall survival (76% vs 85%; HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01-2.65; p=0.045) and more serious adverse events. The authors conclude that adjuvant aspirin should not be routinely used after curative-intent treatment of colorectal cancer liver metastases.
10.1016/S2468-1253(26)00260-8
Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Response to Preoperative Chemoradiotherapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer: Results From the STAR-01 Study Cohort.
JCO PRECIS ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #57/326
This study analyzed the association of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) with pathologic response and clinical outcomes in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients derived from the STAR-01 randomized trial of fluorouracil-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) plus/minus oxaliplatin. Immune cell populations (TILs, CD3, CD20, CD4, CD8, FOXP3, PD-1, CD68) were assessed in 413 samples from 303 patients, including 110 paired pretreatment biopsies and post-treatment surgical specimens. After CRT, intermediate-high TILs, CD3 cells, low CD4/CD8 ratio, and CD68 macrophages significantly increased, while FOXP3 and CD20 cells decreased; ypT0N0 was associated with low CD4/CD8 ratio, reduced CD68, and absence of eosinophils. Low CD4/CD8 ratio and CD20 cell counts were significantly associated with improved EFS and OS, with CD20 confirmed in multivariable analysis.
10.1200/PO-26-00278
Prognostic Role of Pretreatment Nutritional and Inflammatory Status in Unresectable Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Supplementary Analysis of JCOG1007.
ANN SURG ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #39/312
This supplementary analysis of the JCOG1007 trial evaluated whether pretreatment nutritional and inflammatory status could identify patients with unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer who might benefit from primary tumor resection. Among 154 patients with complete data stratified by modified Glasgow Prognostic Score, albumin, and C-reactive protein, overall survival and progression-free survival were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards models. Patients with impaired host status, particularly mGPS 2, showed worse PFS after primary tumor resection compared to chemotherapy alone (HR 3.561; 95% CI 1.005-12.621; P=0.049). The authors concluded that pretreatment nutritional and inflammatory status did not identify a population benefiting from primary tumor resection.
10.1245/s10434-026-20608-1
Sep 14 – Sep 21, 2026
Oncological impact of adjuvant chemotherapy after rectal cancer excision in the era of FOLFIRINOX-based TNT: A pooled post-hoc analysis of GRECCAR4-PRODIGE23.
EUR J CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #45/326
This pooled post-hoc analysis of the GRECCAR4 and PRODIGE23 randomized trials evaluated adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) after total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in locally advanced rectal cancer patients. Among 489 eligible patients, those receiving AC (n=337) were compared with those not receiving AC (n=152), with propensity score adjustment. AC significantly improved 3-year DFS (p<0.001), OS, DMFS, and LRFS in ypN+ patients after CRT, but not after TNT; no significant associations were found in ypN0/cN+ patients regardless of neoadjuvant treatment. The authors conclude that AC benefits ypN+ patients after CRT but not after TNT, supporting de-escalation of adjuvant therapy in the TNT era.
10.1016/j.ejca.2026.117046
Quality of life in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated mFOLFOXIRI + panitumumab versus FOLFOXIRI: A prespecified secondary analysis of the phase II VOLFI AIO-KRK 0109 trial.
EUR J CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #45/326
This prespecified secondary analysis of the phase II VOLFI trial evaluated health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with RAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer treated with mFOLFOXIRI plus panitumumab versus FOLFOXIRI. HRQoL was assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires at baseline and weeks 6, 12, 18, 24, and treatment completion in 77 patients (51 combination, 26 control). No statistically significant differences in overall HRQoL or specific dimensions were found between arms at baseline or week 12, though numerical worsening in pain and improvement in social functioning were noted with panitumumab. The authors conclude that adding panitumumab to mFOLFOXIRI does not negatively affect HRQoL, and treatment decisions should be based on physical fitness rather than HRQoL concerns.
10.1016/j.ejca.2026.117045
Circulating tumor DNA-guided de-escalation or escalation of adjuvant therapy in high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer: the phase 2 PEGASUS trial.
NAT CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #11/326TOP-TIER
PEGASUS was a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 trial evaluating a ctDNA-guided adaptive adjuvant strategy in 135 patients with resected microsatellite-stable, T4N0 or stage III colon cancer. ctDNA-positive patients received CAPOX escalating to FOLFIRI if persistently positive, while confirmed ctDNA-negative patients received capecitabine; the primary endpoint was 2-year relapse-free rate among ctDNA-negative patients. The primary endpoint was not met, with an observed 88% 2-year relapse-free rate versus a predefined threshold of ≥92%; 26% were ctDNA-positive with inferior 3-year DFS (58% vs 83%; HR=2.71). The authors conclude that ctDNA-guided management is operationally feasible but requires randomized trials and better strategies for ctDNA-positive disease.
10.1038/s43018-026-01237-9
Sep 07 – Sep 14, 2026
Circulating tumour DNA to guide rechallenge with cetuximab plus irinotecan in RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: A nonrandomised clinical trial.
CLIN TRANSL MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #47/326
This single-arm Phase II clinical trial evaluated ctDNA-guided rechallenge with cetuximab plus irinotecan in 36 patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer who had prior cetuximab benefit and at least 4 months washout. Each 2-week cycle delivered intravenous cetuximab (500 mg/m²) and irinotecan (180 mg/m²), with the primary endpoint of objective response rate. Partial response occurred in 6 patients (16.7%), stable disease in 10 (27.8%), and progressive disease in 16 (44.4%), yielding an ORR of 16.7% and disease control rate of 44.4%; median PFS was 3.9 months and OS was 13.0 months. The authors concluded that ctDNA-guided rechallenge may offer benefit, with screening time interval as an independent PFS predictor, warranting validation in larger randomised trials.
10.1002/ctm2.70827
Aug 31 – Sep 07, 2026
CEA-targeted fluorescence endoscopy for the detection of high-grade dysplasia and early invasive rectal cancer: A proof-of-concept trial.
EUR J NUCL MED MOL I · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #10/212
This proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA)-targeted near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using intravenous SGM-101 to differentiate high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early invasive carcinoma (IC) from low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in rectal polyps. Twenty-two patients scheduled for en-bloc endoscopic resection received either 5 mg or 10 mg SGM-101, followed by in vivo and ex vivo imaging with pathological correlation. Ex vivo imaging yielded a median tumour-to-LGD ratio (TDR) of 1.7 (IQR 1.3-2.9), with significantly higher ratios in the 10 mg group (2.5) than the 5 mg group (1.3, p=0.023); sensitivity and specificity for detecting HGD/IC were 86% and 88%, respectively. The authors conclude this is proof-of-concept that CEA-targeted NIRF can distinguish malignant polyps, but clinical utility requires larger prospective studies.
10.1007/s00259-026-08155-z
Effect of a computer-aided quality feedback system on colonoscopists’ adenoma detection rate in Denmark: a multicentre, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised, controlled trial.
LANCET DIGIT HEALTH · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/48TOP-TIER
This multicenter, stepped-wedge, cluster-randomized controlled trial evaluated a computer-aided quality (CAQ) feedback system’s effect on adenoma detection rate (ADR) among 2,110 patients (50-74 years) with positive FIT results across three Danish university hospitals, with 17 endoscopists serving as their own controls. The intervention provided post-colonoscopy feedback on quality metrics (e.g., retraction score, cecal intubation, polyp detection), with ADR as the primary outcome and PDR, adenomas per colonoscopy, ACDR, and withdrawal time as secondary outcomes. The intervention period showed significantly higher ADR (48.6% vs 43.4%; OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.52; p=0.032), PDR (54.2% vs 50.7%; OR 1.22, p=0.048), ACDR (8.9% vs 6.5%; OR 1.51, p=0.027), and withdrawal time (960s vs 915s; IRR 1.11; p=0.003), but no significant difference in adenomas per colonoscopy (IRR 1.15, p=0.069). The authors conclude that the CAQ feedback system improved ADR, PDR, and ACDR, recommending future research on post-colonoscopy cancer and non-FIT settings.
10.1016/j.landig.2026.101046
KangDuo surgical robot KD-SR-01 versus da Vinci Xi in robot-assisted colorectal cancer resection: oncologic outcomes at three years in a multicenter randomized trial.
J ROBOT SURG · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #48/312
This multicenter randomized trial compared three-year oncologic outcomes between KangDuo surgical robot KD-SR-01 (KD) and da Vinci Xi (DV) in 100 patients undergoing colorectal cancer resection (KD n=50; DV n=50). Disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were assessed with a median follow-up of 37 months (IQR 34-40). Kaplan-Meier estimates showed 3-year DFS rates of 85.3% (95% CI 71.5-92.7%) for KD and 85.5% (95% CI 71.9-92.8%) for DV (P=0.995); 3-year OS rates were 100.0% for KD and 94.0% for DV (P=0.606). The adjusted DFS hazard ratio was 0.918 (95% CI 0.301-2.798; P=0.881), indicating no significant between-group differences in long-term oncologic outcomes.
10.1007/s11701-026-03851-2
First-line anlotinib versus bevacizumab plus CapeOX in RAS/BRAF wild-type unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (ANCHOR): a multicenter, prospective, randomized, phase 3 trial.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCT TAR · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/319TOP-TIER
This multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label, phase 3 noninferiority trial (ANCHOR) compared first-line anlotinib versus bevacizumab, both combined with CapeOX, in 748 patients with RAS/BRAF wild-type unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients were centrally randomized 1:1 to receive either anlotinib (12 mg daily, days 1-14) or bevacizumab (7.5 mg/kg) plus CapeOX every 3 weeks, followed by maintenance therapy. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) assessed by independent review in the intention-to-treat population, with a noninferiority margin hazard ratio (HR) of 1.09. After a median follow-up of 25.1 months, median PFS was identical at 11.0 months in both groups (stratified HR 1.00, 95% CI 0.84-1.18, p=0.87); however, anlotinib failed to meet the prespecified noninferiority margin and was associated with higher grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (64.9% vs. 44.8%). The authors concluded that anlotinib showed similar antitumor activity but did not achieve noninferiority to bevacizumab plus CapeOX, with increased manageable toxicity.
10.1038/s41392-026-02938-4
Aug 24 – Aug 31, 2026
BOLD-100 treatment induces systemic lipid crosstalk in metastatic colorectal carcinoma patients in a combination treatment with FOLFOX.
ISCIENCE · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #22/135
This exploratory analysis evaluated the metabolic effects of BOLD-100, a GRP78-targeting anticancer drug, in metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving combination therapy with FOLFOX. Blood plasma samples from a subset of patients enrolled in a prospective phase 1b/2a dose-escalation clinical trial (NCT04421820) were analyzed using multi-omics approaches, including proteomic and lipid profiling. Treatment produced systemic, dose-dependent effects that were more pronounced on lipid profiles than protein levels, indicating altered systemic lipid crosstalk. The authors conclude that these metabolic effects may partially account for the superior clinical outcomes observed with this combination, though no direct efficacy results are reported in this abstract.
10.1016/j.isci.2026.117238
Submucosal Lidocaine Injection in Colonic Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection: A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.
DIGEST ENDOSC · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #17/312
This single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy and safety of submucosal lidocaine injection during colonic endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in 110 patients. Participants were randomized to receive lidocaine with sodium alginate or a saline control for submucosal injection, with procedure time as the primary outcome. Median procedure time was not significantly shorter in the lidocaine group (67.5 min vs. 78.0 min, p=0.114); however, the intervention reduced severe spasms (34.6% vs. 74.1%), antispasmodic use (median 1 vs. 2), and improved operator satisfaction (median 4.0 vs. 2.5) with no increase in adverse events. The authors conclude that lidocaine injection is a useful adjunct for preventing colonic spasms during ESD, despite not significantly shortening procedural time.
10.1111/den.70272
Neoadjuvant Botensilimab/Balstilimab for localized mismatch repair proficient and deficient colon cancer: Results of the NEST phase 2 clinical trial.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This phase 2 clinical trial evaluated neoadjuvant botensilimab (BOT) plus balstilimab (BAL) in 24 patients with non-metastatic colorectal cancer (22 pMMR, 4 dMMR). Patients received BOT/BAL followed by surgical resection, with cohorts varying in BAL dosing frequency. Primary endpoints were safety, feasibility, and pathologic response. The treatment was safe with no surgery delays; major pathologic response rates were 41% (95% CI 21-64%) in pMMR and 100% (95% CI 40-100%) in dMMR tumors, with tumor microenvironment analyses showing increased CD8+ T cells and reduced Tregs. The authors conclude that neoadjuvant BOT/BAL demonstrates safety and encouraging efficacy, supporting further development in CRC.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-0998
EMB-01, an Anti-EGFR/c-MET Bispecific Antibody, in Patients with Heavily Pretreated Metastatic Colorectal Cancer From a Phase Ib/II, Open-Label, Multicenter Study.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This Phase Ib/II, open-label, multicenter study (NCT05176665) prospectively evaluated the safety and antitumor activity of EMB-01, an EGFR/c-MET bispecific antibody, in 52 patients with heavily pretreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), who received 1600 mg weekly intravenously. Primary endpoints included safety/tolerability (Phase Ib) and antitumor activity (Phase II). All patients experienced treatment-emergent adverse events, with 63.5% having Grade ≥3 TRAEs; among 48 mCRC patients, confirmed objective response rate was 12.5% with a median duration of response of 32.0 weeks, increasing to 20.7% in the favorable left-sided, RAS/RAF wild-type subgroup. The study concluded that EMB-01 had a manageable safety profile and promising activity in this population, warranting further development.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-2128
Chemoradiotherapy versus short-course radiotherapy for response-adapted organ preservation in early-stage and intermediate-stage rectal cancer (STAR-TREC): 12-month results of an international, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, phase 2/3 trial.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This international, multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, randomised, phase 2/3 trial evaluated organ preservation approaches for early-stage and intermediate-stage rectal cancer. Patients were randomised to long-course chemoradiotherapy (LCCRT), short-course radiotherapy (SCRT), or total mesorectal excision (TME), with a primary endpoint of organ preservation at 30 months. At 12 months, TME-free survival was 78.5% (95% CI 72.4-85.1) with LCCRT versus 60.6% (53.6-68.4) with SCRT (HR 1.90 [95% CI 1.29-2.81]). The authors conclude that response-adapted organ preservation is supported, with LCCRT appearing more effective than SCRT, but longer follow-up is needed for definitive outcomes.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00228-7
Aug 17 – Aug 24, 2026
Safety and efficacy of sotorasib plus panitumumab and FOLFIRI for previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer in the CodeBreaK 101 phase Ib study.
ESMO OPEN · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #36/326
This phase Ib trial (CodeBreaK 101) prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of sotorasib plus panitumumab and FOLFIRI in 46 previously treated patients with KRAS G12C-mutated metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients received sotorasib 960 mg daily, panitumumab 6 mg/kg Q2W, and standard FOLFIRI, with safety as the primary endpoint. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 50% of patients, with the confirmed overall response rate at 56.5% (95% CI 41.1-71.1), median progression-free survival of 8.3 months (95% CI 7.0-11.0), and median overall survival of 17.9 months (95% CI 13.0-23.3). The authors concluded that the regimen had a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity.
10.1016/j.esmoop.2026.108338
Baseline circulating and tumor γδ T cells and early circulating CD8⁺PD1⁺ expansion predict response to Atezolizumab-bevacizumab in HCC.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This prospective study evaluated circulating and tumor immune biomarkers predicting outcomes in 31 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) receiving first-line Atezolizumab-Bevacizumab (AtezoBev). Patients underwent sequential PBMC immunophenotyping, cytokine profiling, and whole-blood RNA sequencing, with tumor RNA-seq data from clinical trials (GO30140/IMbrave150; 209 AtezoBev, 58 sorafenib) and 163 MSI-H colorectal cancer patients used for validation. High baseline circulating γδ T cells predicted disease control (p=0.006) and longer progression-free survival (PFS) (p=0.02); high intratumoral γδ T signature was associated with better response (p<0.01), PFS (p<0.001), and overall survival (p=0.003) only in AtezoBev-treated patients. Early CD8⁺PD-1⁺ expansion correlated with longer PFS (p=0.03), while CD8⁺TIGIT⁺ increase was linked to shorter PFS (p=0.04), with transcriptomic confirmation of IFN-γ signaling induction at 3 weeks. The authors conclude that baseline γδ T cells and early CD8⁺PD-1⁺ expansion predict favorable outcomes, whereas CD8⁺TIGIT⁺ increase indicates resistance.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-1102
A multicohort, biomarker-driven phase 2 trial of personalized total neoadjuvant therapy with targeted agents for high-risk rectal cancer (The TRAINER study).
SIGNAL TRANSDUCT TAR · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/319TOP-TIER
This multicohort, single-center, phase II trial evaluated a biomarker-driven total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) regimen in high-risk locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). The treatment included induction chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) with targeted agents (bevacizumab or cetuximab), short-course radiotherapy, and consolidation chemotherapy. Among 90 evaluable patients, complete response was achieved in 36 (40%), with no grade IV-V toxicity, and sphincter preservation rates of 90.7% and 89.5% across cohorts. The authors concluded that this intensified TNT approach yielded satisfactory complete response rates with acceptable toxicity and surgical outcomes.
10.1038/s41392-026-02868-1