Colorectal Cancer and Immunotherapy with Dr. Van Morris

Dr. Van Morris of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center discusses biomarkers, immunotherapies, and what patients with colorectal cancer need to know. #CRIsummit #immunotherapy #crcsm https://summit.cancerresearch.org/

00:00- Tamron Hall introduces Dr. Van Morris
00:33- Dr. Morris discusses colorectal cancer and immunotherapy
08:55- Arthur Brodsky leads a Q&A from the audience with Dr. Morris

While colorectal cancer rates are dropping overall, a worrying trend is emerging: cases are rising in adults between the ages of 20 and 50, who are not screened regularly. Given the necessity of early detection for current treatments, there is a growing need for effective treatments in advanced cases. Immunotherapy for colorectal cancer can be effective, especially in cases where tumors show high microsatellite instability.

Questions from the audience for Dr. Morris:
- What are the promising clinical trials for colorectal cancer right now?
- Can you speak about the ongoing clinical trials testing a new vaccine to prevent cancers in patients with Lynch syndrome? How can I learn more and potentially enroll?
- What is Lynch syndrome? Is immunotherapy the recommended treatment for cancers caused by Lynch syndrome? Why?
- If my husband has remission of colorectal cancer, does he need immunotherapy for prevention?
- How can I sign up for a clinical study? What should I do next?
- Can you explain the difference between "Tumor Disease Burden" and "Tumor Mutational Burden"? - How is the latter a relevant biomarker for checkpoint inhibitors?
- Can you combine immunotherapy with another treatment for Microsatellite Stable (MSS) colorectal cancer with a High TMB to improve treatment?
- How are these mutations identified? What is the name of the test to identify these mutations?
- Are there vaccine trials for those who are NED after surgery?

Dr. Van Morris is an assistant professor in the Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. His clinical practice focuses on the treatment of colorectal and anal cancers, and he has written multiple clinical trials which incorporate novel therapeutic approaches involving targeted therapies and immunotherapy.

The 2021 CRI Virtual Immunotherapy Patient Summit is part of the Cancer Research Institute's Answer to Cancer Patient Education Program. It was offered free of charge, connecting cancer patients and caregivers with scientific and medical experts. This year’s Summit highlighted the growing implications of immunotherapy for more than 10 cancer types, provided education on the basics of immunotherapy and how clinical trials work, and addressed cancer care disparities. https://www.cancerresearch.org..../en-us/patients/immu

Established in 1953, the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing our immune system’s power to control and potentially cure all cancers. Our mission: Save more lives by fueling the discovery and development of powerful immunotherapies for all types of cancer. To accomplish this, we rely on donor support and collaborative partnerships to fund and carry out the most innovative clinical and laboratory research around the world, support the next generation of the field’s leaders, and serve as the trusted source of information on immunotherapy for cancer patients and their caregivers. https://www.cancerresearch.org

Cancer Research Institute is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit under EIN 13-1837442. Donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowable under the law.

• Category

  Colorectal Cancer