Drug glossary Immunotherapy

Dostarlimab Jemperli

A drug approved for colorectal cancer. It appears in 14 clinical trials.

Intravenous PD-1

United States FDA approved Since 2021

European Union EMA approved Since 2021

Spain Hospital use Approved for colorectal cancer

What it is

Dostarlimab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that blocks the PD-1 (programmed death-1) immune checkpoint receptor. It is used specifically in colorectal cancer patients whose tumors exhibit microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR) characteristics. The drug has shown remarkable efficacy in both neoadjuvant and perioperative settings for locally advanced MSI-H/dMMR colorectal cancers, including stage II and III colon cancers.

How it works

Dostarlimab binds to the PD-1 receptor on T-cells, preventing the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands PD-L1 and PD-L2. This blockade removes the inhibitory signals that normally suppress T-cell activation, allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. The mechanism is particularly effective in MSI-H/dMMR tumors, which typically have high tumor mutational burden and increased neoantigen expression.

Molecular targets

PD-1

Common side effects

FatigueDiarrheaNauseaAnemiaVomitingConstipationDecreased appetiteAbdominal pain

Not all are listed, and everyone experiences them differently. If you notice any, tell your care team.

Trials with this drug

7 recruiting

Real-world Efficacy and Safety of Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab in Patients With dMMR/MSI-H Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer NCT07269249 Recruiting Italy Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab in Patients With Untreated T3-4N0-2 or Stage III pMMR/MSS Resectable Colon Cancer NCT06830239 Recruiting Phase 2 Belgium A Study of Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab Plus Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin (CAPEOX) Vs CAPEOX With Previously Untreated T4N0 or Stage III Mismatch Repair Proficient (MMRp)/Mi… NCT06567782 Recruiting Phase 2 Belgium, Italy, Japan and 3 more PRODIGE 90 - (FFCD 2204) Neoadjuvant Dostarlimab with Short Course Radiotherapy in a Watch-and-wait Strategy for Microsatellite Unstable or Mismatch Repair-deficient Loc… NCT06762405 Recruiting Phase 3 France Dostarlimab for Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cancer (Non-colorectal/Non-endometrial) With Tumor dMMR/MSI NCT06333314 Recruiting Phase 2 France Study of Perioperative Dostarlimab in Participants With Untreated T4N0 or Stage III dMMR/MSI-H Resectable Colon Cancer NCT05855200 Recruiting Phase 3 United States, Argentina, Australia and 8 more

See all 14 trials

At a glance

Brand name: Jemperli
Type: Immunotherapy
Route: Intravenous
Approved (FDA): 2021
Trials: 14 (7 recruiting)

Related drugs

PembrolizumabImmunotherapy201 trials NivolumabImmunotherapy116 trials TislelizumabImmunotherapy64 trials SintilimabImmunotherapy42 trials ToripalimabImmunotherapy23 trials SerplulimabImmunotherapy21 trials

Medical notice

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making treatment decisions.

Guides that may help

Written for patients and families, in plain language.

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