Evolving treatments for advanced gastric cancer: appraisal of the survival trend

ABSTRACT

Introduction and areas covered: We analysed the results of the main clinical studies looking at patients with advanced gastric or esophagogastric junction cancer, in order to differentiate between what is already clinical evidence and what is a promise for the cure of such patients. Thus, achievements from key studies, which had been purposely directed at chemotherapy, molecular target therapies and immunotherapy in both first and second-line setting were analysed. Metronomic chemotherapy, which consists of the administration of continuative low-dose anticancer drugs, was considered also.

Expert commentary: It was found that patients included in experimental arms of randomized trials compared with controls have often benefited from a statistically significant extension of overall survival. However, further studies are awaited to bring new drugs into clinical practice and to validate candidate biomarkers predictive of response.

KEYWORDS:

• Advanced gastric cancer
• chemotherapy
• target therapy
• metronomic chemotherapy
• immunotherapy

Declaration of interests

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.