Phase 2 trial of addition of ipilimumab plus nivolumab to neadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer

The multicenter randomized phase 2 CHINOREC trial in Austria evaluated incorporation of ipilimumab plus nivolumab in a neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) regimen for rectal cancer. In this trial of 80 patients the differences between the CRT and the CRT plus ICI groups in the proportion of surgical complications(77% versus 77%, respectively) and reoperation rates (8% versus 7%, respectively) were not statistically significant. The authors conclude that integrating ipilimumab an nivolumab into neoadjuvant CRT is safe and feasible, warranting further studies to identify the optimal timing and dosing of radiotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibition (visual abstract).