FDA approves atezolizumab for colon cancer
The US FDA approved atezolizumab (Tecentriq) with chemotherapy on 8 October 2026 as adjuvant treatment for stage III mismatch repair deficient colon cancer.
Key points
- The US FDA approved atezolizumab (Tecentriq) on 8 October 2026 for stage III dMMR colon cancer.
- It is given with a fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin as adjuvant treatment.
- The approval rests on a randomised, open-label trial called ATOMIC.
- This is a US decision; UK availability is decided separately.
What was announced
On 8 October 2026 the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved atezolizumab (Tecentriq, Genentech) with a fluoropyrimidine and oxaliplatin for adjuvant treatment of stage III mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colon cancer.
The approval covers adults and children aged two years and older.
A subcutaneous form, Tecentriq Hybreza, is approved with the same chemotherapy for patients aged 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg.
What it means
The FDA notes that ATOMIC enrolled 711 adults and one paediatric patient.
Adjuvant treatment is given after surgery to lower the chance of the cancer returning.
The FDA says the approval rests on the ATOMIC trial, a randomised, open-label, active-controlled study in people with stage III dMMR colon cancer after complete removal of the primary tumour.
This is a US decision; availability in the UK is decided separately by the MHRA and NICE.
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