According to New York Times, in a small clinical trial, 18 patients took a drug called Dostarlimab for around six months, and in the end, every one of them saw their tumours disappear.
The findings concerning dostarlimab, an antibody drug, in experimental treatment of rectal cancer patients is very encouraging but there is need for long-term studies to understand the real impact, an expert in cancer treatment has said. “This new trial at MSKCC in a small number of patients, with locally advanced rectal cancer patients who had MMR (MisMatch repair) deficiency, have shown total disappearance of tumor without any additional treatment in all 100 percent of them. This is very encouraging, but we must note that long term studies are required to understand the real impact,” Dr. (Col.) R. Ranga Rao, Chairman, Oncology, of Paras Hospitals in Gurugram said.
“The drug is still investigational, and the trial is limited to patients of a specific type , that constitute about 4 to 5 per cent of rectal cancers. While this is highly encouraging, we must not prematurely jump to conclusions that we have found a cure for all cancers, all stages, and no chemotherapy, surgery is ever required,” he added.
It is well recognized that Immunotherapy with PDL 1 blockers in MMRd patients is effective. “Already immunotherapy has made a big difference in the field of cancer of all types. Several earlier trials have shown encouraging responses,” Dr Rao said.
In what appears to be a miracle and ‘first time in history’, a small clinical trial has found that every single rectal cancer patient who received an experimental treatment found that their cancer had vanished.
Dr Luis A. Diaz J. of New York’s Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) said this was “the first time this has happened in the history of cancer”.
According to experts, Dostarlimab is a drug with laboratory-produced molecules, and it acts as substitute antibodies in the human body.
Overall, dostarlimab shows tremendous promise for the treatment of surgically resectable rectal cancer and may change the current treatment landscape drastically.
In January 2025, the US FDA published a draft regulatory guidance entitled “The Considerations for Use of Artificial Intelligence to Support Regulatory Decision-Making for Drug and Biological Products”.
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) is rapidly reshaping clinical research and drug development.
In the quest for increased sustainability, a lot has been made of the potential to use bio-based raw materials, captured CO2 and recycled plastics as raw materials for new chemicals. But what about using biotech processes to manufacture chemicals? Could it offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical processing, and be more amenable to biobased raw materials?
High duties on imports from Canada, Mexico and China raise problems for international supply chains.
Advanced Drug Delivery Systems Market, valued at USD 234.84 billion in 2023, is on a trajectory of significant growth, projected to reach USD 352.01 billion by 2032
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on January 15, 2025, announced its decision to ban Red Dye No. 3 also referred to as Erythrosine.
Targeted drug delivery revolutionises treatment by focusing medications on specific tissues, reducing the impact on healthy cells. Scientists enhance this precision with carriers like microspheres and nanoparticles, controlling release and absorption. Microspheres, made from biodegradable proteins or polymers, sustain drug release, making them ideal for targeted therapies, especially in oncology. Beyond drug delivery, microspheres open new possibilities across industries—from next-gen coatings to thermal insulation. With tailored sizes, shapes, and materials, they drive advancements in pharmaceuticals, advanced materials, and more.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has proposed a new rule to require standardized testing of talc-containing cosmetics for asbestos. The FDA noted that this move aims to protect consumers from potential harm posed by asbestos, a known carcinogen linked to serious illnesses such as lung and ovarian cancers.
As one of the most significant holidays in China, Chinese New Year (CNY) profoundly impacts global shipping, logistics, and supply chains. Scheduled to begin on January 29, 2025, this festive period lasts up to two weeks, with many factories, ports, and businesses shutting down or operating with limited staff. Understanding the implications of CNY on your supply chain is critical to avoid disruptions and ensure seamless operations.