Combination immunotherapy for colorectal cancer treatment

Novel Exploratory Study to Test Combination of Botensilimab and Balstilimab Immunotherapy in Resectable Colorectal Cancer Patients

Phase 2 Interventional Weill Medical College of Cornell University · NCT05571293

This study is testing a new combination of two drugs to see if they can safely help people with colorectal cancer before they have surgery to remove their tumors.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWeill Medical College of Cornell University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, balstilimab, botensilimab
Locations3 sites (Brooklyn, New York and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05571293 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This pilot study evaluates the safety and efficacy of a combination of two investigational drugs, balstilimab and botensilimab, in patients with colorectal cancer before surgical tumor removal. Participants will receive either 2 or 4 doses of balstilimab and a single dose of botensilimab intravenously. The study aims to assess the feasibility of this neoadjuvant treatment approach and monitor any side effects. It includes three cohorts, with specific eligibility criteria for each, particularly focusing on patients with dMMR/MSI-High colorectal cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectal cancer who are not planning to undergo neoadjuvant radiation.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic cancer or those who have previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4 or PD-1 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer by enhancing the immune response against tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar immunotherapy approaches in colorectal cancer, suggesting potential for success in this pilot study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 years of age or older
* Histologically, cytologically, or clinically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectal cancer as long as there is no plans for neoadjuvant radiation for the patients with rectal cancer. Note: patients can enroll in cohort B while awaiting mismatch repair testing results. If noted to be dMMR/MSI-High, they would be still considered evaluable and moved to cohort C.
* If capable of becoming pregnant, or getting someone else pregnant, must be willing to use highly effective contraception from Screening period through 90 days following the last dose of study drug

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metastatic cancer (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body)
* Previous treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting CTLA-4, PD-1 or PD-L1
* Currently participating in another study and receiving a study drug
* History of severe allergic reactions to immunotherapies
* Pregnant or breastfeeding
* Active infection requiring treatment
* On immunosuppressive medications
* Active cardiovascular disease, such as stroke or myocardial infarction within 6 months of enrollment, unstable angina, congestive heart failure, or serious uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia requiring medication that may prevent surgery

Participants in Cohort C must be dMMR/MSI-High.

Where this trial is running

Brooklyn, New York and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Colorectal NeoplasmsImmunotherapyColorectal CancerPD-1CTLA-4
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.