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Updated: Feb 25, 2026
Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
PD-1 and PD-L1 as emerging therapeutic targets in gastric cancer: current evidence
Phu N Tran1, Sarmen Sarkissian1, Joseph Chao2
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California Irvine, Orange.
Abstract:
Gastric adenocarcinoma is a leading cause of global cancer-related morbidity and mortality, and new therapeutic approaches are needed. Despite the improved outcomes with monoclonal antibodies targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, durable responses are uncommon. Targeting immune checkpoints including PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 have led to improved survival across several tumor types, frequently characterized by prolonged benefit in responding patients. Tumoral and lymphocyte-derived immunohistochemical staining for PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor mutational burden have shown potential as predictive response biomarkers in several tumor types. Optimal incorporation of immune-mediated therapies into gastric cancer (GC) is an area of intense ongoing investigation and benefit has been demonstrated in smaller studies of advanced patients. Important questions of biomarker selection, roles for molecular characterization, optimal combinatorial approaches, and therapeutic sequencing remain. In this study, current data are reviewed for immune checkpoint inhibitors in GC, and putative biomarkers, ongoing trials, and future considerations are discussed.
Insights
New immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints like PD-1 offer hope for gastric cancer (GC) patients. Research is exploring biomarkers and optimal strategies for these advanced treatments.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Gastric adenocarcinoma presents a significant global health challenge, necessitating novel therapeutic strategies.
- While targeted therapies show promise, achieving durable responses remains difficult.
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4 have demonstrated efficacy in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current data on immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer.
- To discuss potential biomarkers for predicting treatment response.
- To explore ongoing clinical trials and future directions for ICI therapy in GC.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on immune checkpoint inhibitors in gastric cancer.
- Analysis of data regarding predictive biomarkers such as PD-1, PD-L1 expression, and tumor mutational burden.
- Discussion of current and future clinical trial landscapes.
Main Results:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors have shown benefit in subsets of advanced gastric cancer patients.
- Biomarkers like PD-1, PD-L1, and tumor mutational burden show potential for predicting response.
- Optimal integration of ICIs into GC treatment requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Immune checkpoint inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for gastric cancer.
- Further research is crucial to identify optimal biomarkers, treatment combinations, and sequencing strategies.
- Ongoing trials and molecular characterization will guide the future of immunotherapy in GC.
