Study Finds New Immunotherapy Drug is Effective in Curing Bowel Cancer
The makers of Jemperli, GSK, claim that it has shown 100 percent success in eliminating bowel cancer and could potentially replace surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This immunotherapy drug has already been approved by the UK’s NHS for certain types of advanced or recurrent womb cancer.
Immunotherapy drugs like Jemperli use the body’s own immune system to target cancer cells, but they can be costly and may not always be available on the NHS. According to the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, the cost of Jemperli is around £6,000 per dose in the UK and approximately $12,000 in the United States.
The drug was found to be particularly effective in patients with locally advanced mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) rectal cancer. A recent trial presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference showed unprecedented results with all 42 patients treated showing no trace of the disease remaining.
The current standard NHS protocol for this type of cancer involves chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, all of which come with significant risks and potential side effects. However, the trial results with Jemperli showed complete tumor regression without the need for these invasive treatments.
GSK is continuing trials to evaluate the drug further, and the promising data has raised hopes for a new, less invasive treatment option for bowel cancer patients.
Despite the success of immunotherapy drugs like Jemperli, bowel cancer rates continue to rise globally, particularly in younger individuals. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor diet, and physical inactivity are contributing to this increase, highlighting the importance of prevention and early detection.
According to Cancer Research UK, over half of bowel cancer cases could be preventable through healthier lifestyle choices, underscoring the need for awareness and education in the fight against this deadly disease.
