On March 17, 2026 Agenus Inc. (Nasdaq: AGEN), a leader in immuno-oncology, reported that preliminary results from an investigator-sponsored study evaluating botensilimab (BOT) in combination with balstilimab (BAL) in first-line microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) will be presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) (Free AACR Whitepaper) Annual Meeting 2026, taking place April 18–23 in San Diego, CA.
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The BBoPCO study (Botensilimab and Balstilimab Optimization in Colorectal Cancer; NCT06268015) is the first trial of its kind to advance a combination immunotherapy approach in the first-line setting for MSS mCRC, evaluating BOT+BAL in patients without liver, bone, or brain metastases—a population historically resistant to immunotherapy. This investigator-sponsored study was expanded to a Phase 2 and reflects a growing shift toward introducing immunotherapy earlier in the disease course, with the goal of harnessing the immune system to reduce reliance on chemotherapy and improve durability of response.
Colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with rising incidence in younger populations, and treatment continues to rely heavily on intensive, toxic chemotherapy regimens that can significantly impact quality of life, with neuropathy, organ toxicity, decrease fertility, among others. Despite advances, patients with MSS mCRC, which accounts for approximately 95% of metastatic cases, have seen limited benefit from conventional immunotherapy, underscoring a critical unmet need.
Botensilimab, an Fc-enhanced multifunctional anti-CTLA-4 antibody, is designed to activate both innate and adaptive immune responses, while balstilimab (anti–PD-1) is designed to sustain immune activity. Together, the combination is intended to target complementary immune pathways and expand the potential of immunotherapy in traditionally "cold" tumors.
The BBOpCo study adds to a growing body of research evaluating BOT+BAL across earlier lines of therapy and in settings where immune activation may have greater impact.
Presentation Details:
Poster Presentation Title: Preliminary results of first-line botensilimab (BOT) and balstilimab (BAL) optimization in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (MSS CRC) without liver, bone, or brain metastasis (BBOpCo)
Presenting Author: Nicholas C. DeVito MD, Duke University, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Duke University, Division of Medical Oncology
Abstract No.: CT184
Session Title: Phase I Clinical Trials
Session Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Session Time: 9:00AM – 12:00 PM PT / 12:00-3:00 PM ET
Location: Poster Section 50
Board No: 6
(Press release, Agenus, MAR 17, 2026, View Source [SID1234663644])