D. Okemoto , I. Nakayama , A. Jubashi , N. Sakamoto , M. Okunaka , Y. Matsubara , Y. Miyashita , A. Kobayashi , U. Okazaki , K. Yamamoto , K. Seguchi , T. Hosokai , T. Ogura , S. Mishima , D. Kotani , A. Kawazoe , T. Hashimoto , Y. Kuboki , H. Bando , T. Kojima , K. Shitara
{"title":"Impact of claudin 18.2 expression on the efficacy of trastuzumab deruxtecan in patients with HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer","authors":"D. Okemoto , I. Nakayama , A. Jubashi , N. Sakamoto , M. Okunaka , Y. Matsubara , Y. Miyashita , A. Kobayashi , U. Okazaki , K. Yamamoto , K. Seguchi , T. Hosokai , T. Ogura , S. Mishima , D. Kotani , A. Kawazoe , T. Hashimoto , Y. Kuboki , H. Bando , T. Kojima , K. Shitara","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100300","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100300","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) are key therapeutic targets in metastatic gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer (mGC/GEJC). Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) is standard care for previously treated HER2-positive mGC/GEJC, but the prognostic impact of CLDN18.2 remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>We retrospectively reviewed patients with HER2-positive mGC/GEJC treated with T-DXd at National Cancer Center Hospital East until February 2025. T-DXd outcomes were compared between CLDN18.2-positive (≥2+ in ≥75% of tumor cells) and -negative patients in two cohorts: those with HER2 positivity before first-line therapy (overall cohort) and those maintaining HER2 positivity immediately before T-DXd (remaining HER2 cohort). CLDN18.2 expression was evaluated at any time before T-DXd administration.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Eighty-seven patients were included in the overall cohort and 30 in the remaining HER2 cohort. In the overall cohort, progression-free survival (PFS) was shorter in CLDN18.2-positive patients [3.9 versus 5.3 months; hazard ratio (HR) 1.87, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04-3.34, <em>P</em> = 0.036], with an adjusted HR of 1.82 (95% CI 1.02-3.28, <em>P</em> = 0.047). Overall survival (OS) showed a shorter trend (8.6 versus 11.2 months, HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.76-2.45, <em>P</em> = 0.30). In the remaining HER2 cohort, CLDN18.2-positive patients had shorter PFS (3.2 versus 8.0 months, HR 3.40, 95% CI 1.38-8.40, <em>P</em> = 0.008) and OS (7.1 versus 12.9 months, HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.04-5.74, <em>P</em> = 0.041).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CLDN18.2 positivity may attenuate the efficacy of T-DXd in HER2-positive mGC/GEJC, supporting the rationale for dual blockade of CLDN18.2 and HER2.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100300"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078107","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Wakatsuki , T. Mashima , N. Miyazaki , H. Osumi , S. Fukuoka , A. Ooki , K. Shimozaki , M. Ogura , K. Yoshino , S. Udagawa , E. Shinozaki , K. Chin , N. Ishida , H. Seimiya , K. Yamaguchi
{"title":"BevRam-GC01 study protocol: a phase I trial of bevacizumab plus ramucirumab and paclitaxel in advanced gastric cancer","authors":"T. Wakatsuki , T. Mashima , N. Miyazaki , H. Osumi , S. Fukuoka , A. Ooki , K. Shimozaki , M. Ogura , K. Yoshino , S. Udagawa , E. Shinozaki , K. Chin , N. Ishida , H. Seimiya , K. Yamaguchi","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100299","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100299","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Plasma vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) concentrations markedly increased immediately after ramucirumab administration, and the high VEGF-A concentrations were significantly associated with worse outcomes in advanced gastric cancer. In a preclinical study, combination therapy with anti-VEGF-A and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) antibodies showed superior tumor suppression compared with monotherapy, suggesting dual VEGF-A/VEGFR2 blockade may be a promising therapeutic strategy.</div></div><div><h3>Design</h3><div>The BevRam-GC01 trial is a phase I trial evaluating the tolerability and safety of bevacizumab biosimilar (5 or 10 mg/kg) plus ramucirumab (8 mg/kg) and paclitaxel (80 mg/m<sup>2</sup>) in patients with advanced gastric cancer refractory to first-line fluoropyrimidine–platinum chemotherapy. The study includes a safety part and an expansion part, in which, after confirming tolerability, patients will be randomized into three arms, including a control group, to obtain proof of concept and determine the optimal BEV-BS dose. Primary endpoints are dose-limiting toxicities in the safety part and adverse events in the expansion part. Key secondary endpoints include objective response rate and day 8 free VEGF-A suppression rate. Biomarker analysis will clarify the synergistic and complementary effects of anti-VEGFR2 and anti-VEGF-A antibodies on tumor biology, including angiogenesis, proliferation, and antitumor immunity, through multi-omics analysis and immune monitoring.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100299"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
H. Kodama , Y. Narita , K. Honda , T. Masuishi , H. Taniguchi , S. Kadowaki , M. Ando , M. Tajika , T. Yamaguchi , H. Nishikawa , K. Muro
{"title":"Readministration of nivolumab for patients with advanced gastric cancer: a case series","authors":"H. Kodama , Y. Narita , K. Honda , T. Masuishi , H. Taniguchi , S. Kadowaki , M. Ando , M. Tajika , T. Yamaguchi , H. Nishikawa , K. Muro","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100307","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100307","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Nivolumab (NIVO), an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combined with chemotherapy, represents the standard of care for patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Although ICI readministration either as a rechallenge following disease progression or as a reintroduction after refractory has demonstrated clinical benefit and safety in patients with lung cancer or melanoma, evidence in AGC remains limited.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This case series analyzed eight patients with AGC who received NIVO readministration monotherapy between September 2017 and December 2021.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Six patients transitioned after disease progression, while two patients discontinued initial NIVO due to grade 2 pneumonitis. Among six patients with NIVO rechallenge, median progression-free survival (PFS) after rechallenge was 1.8 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.6-19.3 months], and median overall survival (OS) was 17.9 months (95% CI 1.8-42 months). Two patients achieved stable disease. Patients with ascites, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 1, or bulky liver/peritoneal metastasis tended toward shorter PFS and OS. Among two patients with NIVO reintroduction, one patient experienced a grade 2 rash; however, neither patient developed pneumonitis.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>NIVO readministration may offer clinical benefit to selected patients with AGC, without inducing severe adverse events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100307"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147313943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Gandini , V. Martelli , L. Belgioia , S. Puglisi , M. Cremante , V. Murianni , A. Damassi , C. Pirrone , F. Catalano , M. Grassi , L. Trevisan , S. Vagge , V. Andretta , S. Mammoliti , D. Comandini , G. Fornarini , A. Pessino , A. Pastorino , S. Sciallero , A. Puccini , A.F. Sobrero
Y. Narita , R. Kawabata , T. Ando , T. Arigami , H. Kawakami , A. Makiyama , R. Uozumi , Y. Fukuda , K. Muro
{"title":"A prospective, multicenter, observational study of trastuzumab deruxtecan in elderly patients with HER2-positive gastric cancer: EN-COURAGE","authors":"Y. Narita , R. Kawabata , T. Ando , T. Arigami , H. Kawakami , A. Makiyama , R. Uozumi , Y. Fukuda , K. Muro","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100313","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100313","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastric cancer (GC) disproportionately affects the elderly, yet pivotal trials have provided inconsistent evidence regarding the efficacy of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted and immune-based therapies in this subgroup. Beyond chronological age, geriatric assessment (GA) and sarcopenia measures such as the psoas muscle index (PMI) may better capture vulnerability and predict treatment outcomes. Thus, there is a need for prospective studies specifically designed for elderly patients, incorporating GA and sarcopenia measures.</div><div>EN-COURAGE is a prospective, multicenter, observational study evaluating trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) in patients aged ≥70 years with HER2-positive unresectable or recurrent gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma in Japan. Eligible patients receive T-DXd intravenously at the approved dose and schedule, with dose modifications and treatment interruptions per clinical practice. The target enrollment is 100 patients. The primary endpoint is overall survival (OS); secondary endpoints include progression-free survival (PFS), time to treatment failure (TTF), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), duration of response (DoR), time to treatment discontinuation (TTD), T-DXd treatment status, and safety. A key feature is the systematic integration of GA tools (Geriatric-8, Cancer and Aging Research Group toxicity score) and PMI analysis to explore efficacy and tolerability predictors. EN-COURAGE represents the first prospective study designed to elucidate real-world T-DXd outcomes in elderly patients with HER2-positive GC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100313"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147656278","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Sekiguchi , K. Shibuya , S. Tomogane , Y. Miyasaka , S. Kakizaki , M. Okamoto , K. Araki , K. Shirabe , T. Ohno
{"title":"Clinical outcomes of carbon-ion radiotherapy for residual or recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after transarterial chemoembolization","authors":"Y. Sekiguchi , K. Shibuya , S. Tomogane , Y. Miyasaka , S. Kakizaki , M. Okamoto , K. Araki , K. Shirabe , T. Ohno","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100280","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100280","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or embolization (TAE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often followed by an incomplete response or local recurrence, necessitating effective salvage therapies. Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) offers potential radiobiological advantages for treating TACE-refractory tumors. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CIRT for residual or recurrent HCC after TACE/TAE.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>We retrospectively analyzed 99 patients (106 lesions) treated with CIRT between 2010 and 2021. Eligible patients had residual or recurrent HCC after 52.8-60.0 Gy [relative biological effectiveness (RBE)] in 4 fractions, or 60.0 Gy (RBE) in 12 fractions for tumors near critical structures. Efficacy endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS). Toxicities were graded using the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0, and liver function was monitored using Child–Pugh and albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) scores.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>At a median follow-up of 38 months, the 3-year OS, PFS, and LC rates were 70.3%, 34.8%, and 90.7%, respectively. On multivariate analysis, larger tumor size (≥3.5 cm) and poorer baseline liver function (modified ALBI grade ≥2b) were significant predictors of worse OS. The treatment was well tolerated; severe (grade ≥3) late toxicities were rare, including two cases of encephalopathy. There was no statistically significant deterioration in Child–Pugh or ALBI scores following treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CIRT is a safe and effective salvage therapy for TACE-refractory HCC, offering excellent LC, favorable survival outcomes, and preserved liver function.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100280"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M.P.G. Camandaroba, S. Aguiar Jr., V. Souza e Silva, R.P. Riechelmann
{"title":"The outcomes of elderly patients with localized squamous-cell carcinoma of the anal canal treated with chemoradiation","authors":"M.P.G. Camandaroba, S. Aguiar Jr., V. Souza e Silva, R.P. Riechelmann","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100282","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100282","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Squamous-cell carcinoma of the anal canal (SCCA) is a rare gastrointestinal malignancy, and its incidence is increasing among the aging population. This study aims to examine treatment efficacy and toxicity in elderly patients and to compare treatment outcomes between elderly and non-elderly patients to inform optimal management strategies for SCCA in older adults.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This retrospective study evaluates clinical outcomes in elderly (≥70 years) versus non-elderly (<70 years) patients with localized SCCA treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy alone. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), whereas secondary endpoints were cancer-specific survival (CSS), complete response rates and grade 3 or 4 toxicity profiles. Statistical analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, Kaplan–Meier methods, and Cox proportional hazards models.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The study analyzed 269 patients. Elderly patients had a median age of 77.3 (range 70-83) years and presented with a higher burden of comorbidities and a lower prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus. No significant differences in treatment types or toxicity rates were observed between the groups. The median DFS for elderly patients was 103 months versus 128 months for non-elderly patients (<em>P</em> = 0.43). CSS rates were comparable, showing a rate of 83% at five years for the elderly compared with 85% for non-elderly patients (<em>P</em> = 0.74). Cox regression analyses revealed that cancer stage and treatment completion were significant predictors of DFS and OS.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study highlights that while elderly patients with SCCA experience similar survival outcomes to their younger counterparts, age-related factors and comorbidities require careful management to optimize treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L.M. Stoffels , E.S. Espinoza Rodriguez , J. Theys , R. Shiri-Sverdlov
{"title":"Revisiting cholesterol metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma: a hidden driver of systemic therapy response","authors":"L.M. Stoffels , E.S. Espinoza Rodriguez , J. Theys , R. Shiri-Sverdlov","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100284","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100284","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide and poses a substantial challenge in the field of oncology. The majority of patients are diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease, where systemic therapies remain the primary treatment modality. These interventions, however, are frequently constrained by limited efficacy and considerable adverse effects, highlighting the pressing need for more precise and effective therapeutic strategies. Emerging evidence has identified cholesterol as a critical factor in HCC pathogenesis, influencing key processes such as tumor initiation, cellular proliferation, immune dysregulation, and metastatic progression. Moreover, disruptions in cholesterol metabolism have been increasingly implicated in resistance to systemic treatments. This review provides a concise overview of therapeutic approaches targeting cholesterol in HCC and examines the influence of cholesterol metabolism on the efficacy of systemic therapies, particularly those currently considered standard of care. Finally, we discuss existing challenges and propose future directions for integrating cholesterol-lowering strategies to enhance treatment outcomes in patients with HCC.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146188604","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Y. Nagata , H. Arai , N. Izawa , C. Inagaki , A. Sugaya , K. Hirata , T. Tsushima , T. Moriwaki , T. Masuishi , Y. Nagatani , K. Harada , M. Taguri , Y. Sunakawa
{"title":"A pragmatic phase II trial evaluating treatment strategies using immune checkpoint inhibitors for metastatic esophageal cancer patients with severe dysphagia","authors":"Y. Nagata , H. Arai , N. Izawa , C. Inagaki , A. Sugaya , K. Hirata , T. Tsushima , T. Moriwaki , T. Masuishi , Y. Nagatani , K. Harada , M. Taguri , Y. Sunakawa","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100310","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100310","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>The addition of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) to chemotherapy has significantly improved the prognosis of patients with metastatic esophageal cancer. Although fluorouracil and cisplatin (FP) combined with an ICI is considered one of the most effective first-line treatments, patients with severe dysphagia have not been adequately evaluated. Radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (CRT), however, have been established as effective treatment options for dysphagia, based on the results of a phase III clinical trial conducted before the approval of ICIs for esophageal cancer. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of FP plus ICI and FP plus ICI following RT/CRT in patients with stage IVB esophageal cancer and severe dysphagia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This is a randomized, non-comparative, pragmatic phase II trial enrolling untreated patients with metastatic esophageal or esophagogastric squamous cell carcinoma and severe dysphagia. Patients are randomized to receive either FP plus ICI (arm A) or FP plus ICI following RT/CRT (arm B) in accordance with clinical practice. The primary endpoint is dysphagia relief rate at 9 weeks from the initiation of treatment. This trial has been ongoing since December 2024.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100310"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147358358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}