This article provides guidance on how to incorporate immunotherapy into colorectal cancer care. We review the identification of appropriate patients, available immunotherapy agents, benefits and risks of therapy, and how to overcome potential barriers to access. With recent US Food and Drug Administration approvals of two programmed death (PD-1) receptor inhibitors for use in colorectal cancer, and dual therapy with combined nivolumab (PD-1) and ipilimumab (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated antigen [CTLA-4] blocking antibody), it is vital that oncology providers be aware of how and when to implement these therapy options.

Colorectal cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and is expected to cause approximately 50,630 deaths during 2018. Chemotherapy with fluorouracil (5-FU)–based regimens has been the gold standard for treatment, but with the 5-year survival rate for metastatic disease at only 12%, additional treatment options are highly needed.Recent groundbreaking cancer research utilizes immunotherapy, which is now considered a key treatment for many other tumor types, such as melanoma and non–small-cell lung cancer. As a result, oncology care providers are now being tasked with integrating immunotherapy into their daily practice for patients, including those with colorectal cancer.

Thanks and Regards,
Michelle
Managing Editor
Colorectal Cancer: Open Access