Episode # 75 • 04 Aug 2026
Applying CheckMate 8HW: Practical Updates for MSI-High CRC
with Dr. Cathy Eng, Dr. Jun Gong
Is it time to rethink the definition of “cure” for stage IV colorectal cancer? In this episode of BackTable Tumor Board, medical oncologist Jun Gong interviews Dr. Cathy Eng about updates from the phase III CheckMate-8HW trial in centrally confirmed MSI-high/dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, comparing nivolumab/ipilimumab, nivolumab, and chemotherapy. They discuss initial findings demonstrating improved progression-free survival and response rates with combination immunotherapy, as well as safety considerations and how comorbidities and frailty guide the choice between single-agent and combination regimens.
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction
01:40 - Trial Design Breakdown
03:37 - Initial Efficacy Results
09:47 - ASCO Update Highlights
13:18 - Induction Tolerability
15:12 - Rechallenge After Relapse
17:26 - COMMIT Trial Breakdown
22:55 - BRAF Mutant MSI High Strategy
24:54 - Closing Remarks
Resources
You may also like
More about this episode
The conversation reviews the ASCO post-hoc update with 55.1 months follow-up, highlighting higher 4-year survivor rates and longer treatment-free intervals for patients on combination therapy. Drs. Gong and Eng also discuss the implications of the underpowered COMMIT trial, the unexpectedly poor performance of atezolizumab monotherapy, and why chemo-immunotherapy is not currently recommended. The episode concludes with impressions from ESMO GI, including a negative second-line KRAS G12C adagrasib plus EGFR study, and broader reflections on the evolving definition of cure in advanced colorectal cancer.
The Materials available on BackTable are provided for informational and educational purposes only and are not a substitute for the independent professional judgment of a qualified healthcare professional in diagnosing or treating patients. Any opinions, statements, or views expressed are those of the individual contributors and do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher, platform, or any affiliated organization.