Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Lower Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Limited therapy options exist for patients with treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal or anal cancers, prompting investigation into alternative therapies. Immunotherapy in the form of immune checkpoint blockade is one such emerging treatment that has demonstrated promising results in other tumour streams.x This review aims to assess the current use of immune checkpoint blockade in patients with lower gastrointestinal tumours. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases were searched for included studies. Clinical trials published in English and utilising immune checkpoint blockade for primary tumours situated in the lower gastrointestinal tract were included..