Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Stories

FDA approves Jemperli for certain rectal cancers, allowing many patients to skip surgery and chemo

Ran the earlier 50-patient study that first showed complete responses

The FDA granted accelerated approval to Jemperli (dostarlimab) on October 19 for adults with a genetic subtype of locally advanced rectal cancer. It is the first immunotherapy cleared for these patients, and trial data show most can skip chemotherapy, radiation and surgery.

Updated Oct 23

MSI2 protective variant against blood cancer discovered

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Co-led the research

For decades, cancer genetics meant finding mutations that raise risk. Now scientists have found one that lowers it. A variant in the MSI2 gene reduces the risk of blood cancers by up to 30% in people who carry two copies—the first protective genetic variant identified against myeloid malignancies.

Updated May 22