Agenus shared on LinkedIn:
“New Phase 2 data from the mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) colon cancer cohort of NEOASIS, a Phase 2 investigator-initiated pan-tumor study evaluating botensilimab (BOT) in combination with balstilimab (BAL) given before surgery, were presented at ESMO26.
The cohort met its primary endpoint, with 83% of 18 patients achieving a major pathologic response (MPR), defined as 10% or less viable tumor remaining at surgery, and 72% achieving a pathologic complete response (pCR), with no cancer remaining in the tumor or nearby lymph nodes.
These encouraging early findings support continued investigation of BOT+BAL before surgery, including an ongoing NEOASIS cohort exploring the potential for organ preservation in patients with dMMR rectal cancer.
Learn more about the findings by reading our press release.”
PRESS RELEASE
Agenus Reports 72% of Patients with Locally Advanced dMMR Colon Cancer Had No Cancer Remaining at Surgery Following Six Weeks of BOT+BAL in Phase 2 NEOASIS Study at ESMO 2026
- The cohort met its primary endpoint of major pathologic response, with 83% of patients having little or no cancer remaining at surgery in a high-risk, locally advanced population.
- Side effects were mostly mild and manageable, and all 18 patients proceeded to surgery.
- Netherlands Cancer Institute investigators are now enrolling a rectal cancer cohort to evaluate whether a short course of botensilimab and balstilimab can allow patients to avoid surgery.
You can also read: Armenia Grants World’s First Marketing Authorizations for BOT+BAL in MSS mCRC
