We’re pleased to announce the publication of the AVERectal study, a significant clinical research article led by Dr. Ali Shamseddine and his team at the American University of Beirut Medical Center, in collaboration with regional cancer centers.
This multicenter phase II trial evaluated a novel therapeutic approach for patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) locally advanced rectal cancer, combining short-course radiation, mFOLFOX-6 chemotherapy, and the immune checkpoint inhibitor avelumab. The results are compelling, with a 37.5% complete pathologic response rate and a 3-year disease-free survival of 85%.
This publication underscores the potential of integrating immunotherapy into total neoadjuvant therapy (TNT) strategies, even in MSS tumors — long considered less responsive to immunotherapy.
Congratulations to Dr. Shamseddine and all co-authors for this important advancement in the field of rectal cancer.
Read the full article here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40286473/
Keywords: new article, rectal cancer, immunotherapy, avelumab, neoadjuvant therapy, Dr. Ali Shamseddine
