Dialogues

Aug 25, 2025, 06:21

Balstilimab and Botensilimab insights with Dr Benjamin Shelchter – Latest MSS CRC Data from ESMO GI

In this exclusive OncoDaily interview, Amalya Sargsyan, Medical Oncologist and Head of Research and Intelligence of OncoDaily, welcomes Dr. Benjamin Schlechter from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to discuss promising immunotherapy results for MSS colorectal cancer unveiled at ESMO GI 2025. Dr. Schlechter highlights data on the combination of a next-generation CTLA‑4 inhibitor (botensilimab) plus a PD‑1 inhibitor (balstilimab) in a heavily pretreated, microsatellite‑stable metastatic colorectal cancer (MSS mCRC) population without active liver metastases.

Key points:

Objective responses (~20%) in refractory MSS mCRC patients, a historically unresponsive group
Durable benefit — median overall survival around 21 months, with a two‑year survival plateau
Remains effective across multiple prior lines of therapy, including heavily pretreated and fourth‑line or later cohorts
Manageable safety profile, with no new safety concerns reported
This regimen may redefine treatment for MSS colorectal cancer—from “cold” to immunotherapy-responsive tumors.

Amalya Sargsyan Balstilimab Benjamin Schlechter botensilimab cancer Cancer research ESMOGI 2025 Gl Oncology immunotherapy MSS colorectal cancer OncoDaily Oncology Oncology Innovation

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