Agenus reports 83% major pathologic response and 72% complete response in phase‑2 dMMR colon cancer trial
Agenus presented results from the phase‑2 NEOASIS study of neoadjuvant botensilimab plus balstilimab in 18 patients with locally advanced dMMR colon cancer. The primary endpoint of major pathologic response (≤10% viable tumor) was met with 83% of patients achieving it, and 72% attained a pathologic complete response. All patients proceeded to surgery, with one early operation and one case of Grade 3 colitis reported. Median follow‑up was 15 months, and 16 of 18 patients remained free of recurrence.
Why it matters
The strong response rates suggest the short‑course immunotherapy could become a new neoadjuvant option, potentially expanding Agenus' market and supporting future regulatory discussions (as noted in the company’s press release).
Key facts
- 1The study enrolled 18 patients with non‑metastatic, resectable dMMR colon cancer. stocktitan.net
- 283% of patients achieved a major pathologic response (MPR). stocktitan.net
- 372% of patients achieved a pathologic complete response (pCR). finanznachrichten.de
- 4All 18 patients proceeded to surgery; 17 underwent surgery as planned and one had early surgery on Day 41. stocktitan.net
- 5One patient experienced Grade 3 colitis, which resolved with treatment. stocktitan.net
- 6At a median follow‑up of 15 months, all patients were alive and 16 of 18 remained recurrence‑free. stocktitan.net
Summary written by AlphAI AI Desk from 7 of 7 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.