NCT05239546 · University of Iowa
Single Arm Study of Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab in Stage II and III Deficient Mismatch Repair Colon Cancers
(NAIO)
What this study is about
This is a Phase II, single treatment group$1 study looking at the rate of major clinical response and non-operative management in Stage II and III colon cancer after 18 weeks (up to 6 cycles) of neoadjuvant dostarlimab.
View original scientific description
This is a Phase II, single arm study looking at the rate of major clinical response and non-operative management in Stage II and III colon cancer after 18 weeks (up to 6 cycles) of neoadjuvant dostarlimab.
Interventions
DRUG
Dostarlimab
Participants will receive Dostarlimab 500 mg IV every 3 weeks for 6 cycles followed by 1000 mg every 6 weeks for 8 cycles until 1.5 years
Primary outcome measures
Major Clinical Response (MCR) Rate
Time frame: From Dostarlimab initiation to 18 weeks.
MCR rate is defined as the proportion of patients meeting the following criteria at 18 weeks: 1) ctDNA is stable or declining, 2) a clinically asymptomatic primary tumor, and 3) no metastatic disease.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Capable of understanding and complying with the protocol requirements and have signed the informed consent document. Patients with mild cognitive impairment may be considered for enrollment in the study if their legally authorized representative provides written informed consent for the patient.
- 18 years or older in age
- Biopsy proven dMMR (by IHC), Stage II or III colon cancer per CT imaging correlation with AJCC 8th edition, 2017, amendable to en block surgical resection as determined by colorectal surgeon.
- Biopsy specimen for diagnosis of dMMR Colon cancer should have enough tissue for minimum 4 and max 6 adjacent unstained FFPE slides (4µm each) as determined by Protocol Pathologist Dr. Anthony Snow for CD3+ and CD8+ analysis. If there is not enough tissue present in original sample, a repeat colonoscopy and biopsy may be performed; otherwise patient is not eligible.
- Potentially surgically resectable Stage II or III patients who are willing to forgo surgical resection if study endpoints are met. Patient with easily manageable bowel changes amenable to laxatives or stool softeners as outpatient per assessment by colorectal surgery are allowed. (See
Exclusion criteria
- ECOG performance status less than or equal to 1
- Absence of metastatic disease on CT CAP with Contrast within 28 days from treatment start
- Absolute neutrophil count greater than or equal to 1,500/µL
- Platelets greater than or equal to 100,000/µL
- Hemoglobin greater than or equal to 9 g/dL
- Serum creatinine less than or equal to 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or calculated creatinine clearance 60mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault equation
- Total bilirubin less than or equal to 1.5 x ULN (less than or equal to 2.0 in patients with known Gilberts syndrome) OR direct bilirubin less than or equal to 1 x ULN
- Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase less than or equal to 3.0 x ULN
- International normalized ratio (INR) or prothrombin time (PT) less than or equal to 1.5× ULN unless patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy if PT or partial thromboplastin (PTT) is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) less than or equal to 1.5× ULN unless patient is receiving anticoagulant therapy if PT or PTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
- Participants of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to taking study treatment and agree to use an adequate method of contraception from screening through 180 days after the last dose of study treatment. Information must be captured appropriately within the site's source documents. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the established and preferred contraception for the patient.
- For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner starting with first dose of study treatment through 180 days after the last dose of study treatment. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the established and preferred contraception for the patient. Exclusion Criteria:
- Synchronous primary tumor (i.e. more than 1)
- Obstruction or perforation requiring diverting ostomy or immediate resection, or bright red blood per rectum requiring urgent blood transfusion, from their primary tumor.
- Clinical T4b tumors
- Known hypersensitivity to dostarlimab components or excipients.
- Major surgery less than or equal to 3 weeks prior to initiating protocol therapy
- Received investigational therapy less than or equal to 3 months, or within a time interval less than at least 5 half- lives of the investigational agent, whichever is shorter, prior initiating protocol therapy.
- Heavy bleeding from the colon cancer tumors requiring PRBC transfusions that would require palliative surgical resection
- Concurrent, clinically significant, active malignancies within two years of study enrollment.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
- Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease-modifying agents, glucocorticoids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Other than Replacement hormone therapy with thyroxine for hypothyroidism , insulin for T1 diabetes mellitus , or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.)
- Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or has received any systemic glucocorticoid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to initiating protocol therapy.
- History of greater than or equal to Grade 3 immune-related AE with prior immunotherapy, except for non-clinically significant lab abnormalities.
- Patients with known HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infection on effective retroviral therapy regardless of CD4 count who have had an opportunistic infection within the past 12 months.
- Organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive medications
- Patients with chronic HBV infection with active disease who meet the criteria for anti HBV therapy but not on suppressive antiviral therapy prior to initiation of treatment of this protocol are excluded. Also, patients with history of HCV infection that have not completed curative antiviral treatment and the HCV viral load is not below the limit of quantification areexcluded.(e.g. a patient who is HCV Ab positive but HCV RNA negative due to prior treatment or natural resolution is eligible.)
- Prior history of interstitial lung disease.
- Received a live vaccine within 30 days of initiating protocol therapy.
- Not enough tissue for confirming dMMR status and CD3+ /CD8+ testing
- 19\. Patients with severe cognitive impairment.
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Madison, Wisconsin
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations