FDA Approves Dostarlimab for Rectal Cancer

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/fda-approves-dostarlimab-rectal-cancer-2026a10013c7?ecd=WNL_trdalrt_pos1_ous_261021_etid8816935&uac=148436CN&impID=8816935 The FDA has granted accelerated approval to dostarlimab (Jemperli, GSK) for rectal cancer indications. The drug is now approved for adults with stage II/III locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) that is microsatellite instability high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR). The PD-1 inhibitor is the first immunotherapy to be approved specifically for MSI-H or dMMR rectal cancer, which accounts for 5%-10% of tumors. Based on the results of the approval study, AZUR-1, GSK said dostarlimab could help eligible patients avoid chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.