First-line nivolumab-ipilimumab superior to nivolumab monotherapy for colorectal cancer (Healio)

At ESMO 2025, results from the CheckMate 8HW trial showed that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab delivered a clinically meaningful survival benefit over nivolumab alone for patients with MSI-high/mismatch-repair-deficient metastatic colorectal cancer. The doublet improved progression-free survival by 31%, boosted response rates to 73%, and achieved a 4-year OS of 78%. Experts called the regimen a new frontline standard for eligible patients, though ongoing studies aim to extend these benefits to microsatellite-stable disease.