Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100300
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
Background
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.
Patients and methods
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.
Results
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, P = 0.036], with an adjusted HR of 1.82 (95% CI 1.02-3.28, P = 0.047). Overall survival (OS) showed a shorter trend (8.6 versus 11.2 months, HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.76-2.45, P = 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, P = 0.008) and OS (7.1 versus 12.9 months, HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.04-5.74, P = 0.041).
Conclusions
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.
人表皮生长因子受体2 (HER2)和claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2)是转移性胃癌和胃食管结癌(mGC/GEJC)的关键治疗靶点。曲妥珠单抗德鲁西替康(T-DXd)是先前治疗过的her2阳性mGC/GEJC的标准治疗,但CLDN18.2的预后影响尚不清楚。患者和方法我们回顾性地回顾了到2025年2月在国立癌症中心东医院接受T-DXd治疗的her2阳性mGC/GEJC患者。比较cldn18.2阳性(≥75%的肿瘤细胞≥2+)和阴性患者的T-DXd结果,分为两个队列:一线治疗前HER2阳性患者(总队列)和T-DXd前立即保持HER2阳性的患者(剩余HER2队列)。在给药前的任何时间检测CLDN18.2的表达。结果87例患者被纳入总队列,30例患者被纳入剩余HER2队列。在整个队列中,cldn18.2阳性患者的无进展生存期(PFS)较短[3.9个月对5.3个月;风险比(HR) 1.87, 95%可信区间(CI) 1.04 ~ 3.34, P = 0.036],调整后的风险比为1.82 (95% CI 1.02 ~ 3.28, P = 0.047)。总生存期(OS)呈短趋势(8.6个月vs 11.2个月,HR 1.36, 95% CI 0.76-2.45, P = 0.30)。在其余的HER2队列中,CLDN18.2阳性患者的PFS(3.2个月vs 8.0个月,HR 3.40, 95% CI 1.38-8.40, P = 0.008)和OS(7.1个月vs 12.9个月,HR 2.44, 95% CI 1.04-5.74, P = 0.041)较短。结论CLDN18.2阳性可能会减弱T-DXd在HER2阳性mGC/GEJC中的疗效,支持CLDN18.2和HER2双重阻断的理论基础。
{"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":"2026-01-27","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100293
L.L. Chan , A.C.Y. Lam , H.H.W. Leung , S.H. Chok , S.Y.W. Liu , J.W.C. Kung , R. Ozaki , A.P.S. Kong , R.C.W. Ma , S.L. Chan
Background
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are rare neoplasms of the pancreas. Real-world treatment outcomes in Asia are seldom reported. The aim of this study was to provide the real-world treatment outcomes of PNETs at a single tertiary cancer centre in Hong Kong over an 18-year period.
Materials and methods
This was a retrospective cohort study that recruits patients with local or metastatic PNETs treated at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong between 2005 and 2023. Five-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the surgical cohort, and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic disease were summarized.
Results
A total of 98 patients were recruited (median age: 59 years, 51% male). Among them, 18 patients (18.4%) had functioning tumours, of which majority were insulinoma (72.2%). Most tumours (64.8%) were classified as grade 1 disease. More than 80% of patients had early-stage disease on presentation, with only 14 patients presented with stage IV disease. Five-year OS for the entire cohort was 88.4% and the 5-year PFS was 73.7%. Older age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.13, P = 0.04] and larger tumour size (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.44, P = 0.05) were associated with worse OS, whereas patients with metastatic disease had a shorter PFS (HR 7.95, 95% CI 2.55-24.8, P < 0.001). In the cohort treated with curative surgery, metastatic disease (HR 7.49, 95% CI 1.40-40.0, P = 0.018) and tumour grade (HR 8.03, 95% CI 1.58-40.8, P = 0.012) were associated with worse RFS. Microscopic margin involvement did not influence RFS in patients treated with curative surgery. In the 20 patients who received systemic therapy, everolimus showed a trend towards improved PFS compared with chemotherapy (5-year PFS: 46.9% versus 16.7%).
Conclusion
Patients with PNETs in Hong Kong have early presentation and excellent prognosis with most patients being eligible for curative surgery reaching 90% of 5-year OS.
胰腺神经内分泌肿瘤(PNETs)是一种罕见的胰腺肿瘤。亚洲的实际治疗结果很少被报道。本研究的目的是提供PNETs在香港单一三级癌症中心18年期间的实际治疗结果。材料和方法本研究是一项回顾性队列研究,招募2005年至2023年间在香港威尔斯亲王医院接受治疗的局部或转移性PNETs患者。总结了手术队列的5年总生存期(OS)、无进展生存期(PFS)、无复发生存期(RFS)以及转移性疾病患者的生存结局。结果共纳入98例患者(中位年龄59岁,男性占51%)。其中功能性肿瘤18例(18.4%),以胰岛素瘤居多(72.2%)。大多数肿瘤(64.8%)被归类为1级疾病。超过80%的患者在就诊时为早期疾病,只有14例患者表现为IV期疾病。整个队列的5年OS为88.4%,5年PFS为73.7%。年龄较大[危险比(HR) 1.06, 95%可信区间(CI) 1.00-1.13, P = 0.04]和肿瘤大小较大(HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.44, P = 0.05)与较差的OS相关,而转移性疾病患者的PFS较短(HR 7.95, 95% CI 2.55-24.8, P < 0.001)。在接受根治性手术治疗的队列中,转移性疾病(HR 7.49, 95% CI 1.40-40.0, P = 0.018)和肿瘤分级(HR 8.03, 95% CI 1.58-40.8, P = 0.012)与较差的RFS相关。显微切缘受累不影响根治性手术患者的RFS。在接受全身治疗的20例患者中,与化疗相比,依维莫司显示出改善PFS的趋势(5年PFS: 46.9%对16.7%)。结论香港PNETs患者临床表现较早,预后较好,大多数患者的5年总生存率达到90%。
{"title":"Real-world treatment outcomes for pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours: a single tertiary referral institute experience","authors":"L.L. Chan , A.C.Y. Lam , H.H.W. Leung , S.H. Chok , S.Y.W. Liu , J.W.C. Kung , R. Ozaki , A.P.S. Kong , R.C.W. Ma , S.L. Chan","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100293","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100293","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (PNETs) are rare neoplasms of the pancreas. Real-world treatment outcomes in Asia are seldom reported. The aim of this study was to provide the real-world treatment outcomes of PNETs at a single tertiary cancer centre in Hong Kong over an 18-year period.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and methods</h3><div>This was a retrospective cohort study that recruits patients with local or metastatic PNETs treated at Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong between 2005 and 2023. Five-year overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the surgical cohort, and survival outcomes in patients with metastatic disease were summarized.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 98 patients were recruited (median age: 59 years, 51% male). Among them, 18 patients (18.4%) had functioning tumours, of which majority were insulinoma (72.2%). Most tumours (64.8%) were classified as grade 1 disease. More than 80% of patients had early-stage disease on presentation, with only 14 patients presented with stage IV disease. Five-year OS for the entire cohort was 88.4% and the 5-year PFS was 73.7%. Older age [hazard ratio (HR) 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.00-1.13, <em>P</em> = 0.04] and larger tumour size (HR 1.20, 95% CI 1.00-1.44, <em>P</em> = 0.05) were associated with worse OS, whereas patients with metastatic disease had a shorter PFS (HR 7.95, 95% CI 2.55-24.8, <em>P</em> < 0.001). In the cohort treated with curative surgery, metastatic disease (HR 7.49, 95% CI 1.40-40.0, <em>P</em> = 0.018) and tumour grade (HR 8.03, 95% CI 1.58-40.8, <em>P</em> = 0.012) were associated with worse RFS. Microscopic margin involvement did not influence RFS in patients treated with curative surgery. In the 20 patients who received systemic therapy, everolimus showed a trend towards improved PFS compared with chemotherapy (5-year PFS: 46.9% versus 16.7%).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Patients with PNETs in Hong Kong have early presentation and excellent prognosis with most patients being eligible for curative surgery reaching 90% of 5-year OS.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100293"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078110","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100298
I.J. Gerard , A.M. Glynn , M.D. Faye , M. Yan , A. Mesci , T.K. Kim , R. Vanner , L.A. Dawson
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, with a rising global incidence. Prognosis in HCC remains poor, particularly in patients presenting with macrovascular invasion (MVI), which is associated with high rates of hepatic decompensation, diffuse disease progression, and a median survival of only 2-5 months without treatment. Management of HCC with MVI is complex, requiring multidisciplinary and multimodality approaches. While surgery and transplantation may be considered in select cases, systemic therapy with immunotherapy-based regimens currently represents standard of care. Limitations due to complications with MVI often makes optimal treatment challenging. Advances in modern radiotherapy, particularly stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), have established it as a safe and effective local therapy capable of delivering ablative doses while sparing normal liver tissue. Retrospective series and prospective trials have demonstrated that SBRT provides high local control rates, objective response rates exceeding 50%, and survival benefits when combined with systemic or locoregional therapies alone. SBRT has also shown promise in improving liver function and palliating symptoms in patients with poor hepatic reserve. Emerging evidence suggests synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy or transarterial therapies, with ongoing studies poised to clarify its role in modern treatment paradigms. Collectively, data support the use of SBRT as a crucial tool in the multidisciplinary management of HCC with MVI, offering durable local control, symptom relief, and the potential to enhance systemic therapy efficacy.
{"title":"The role of stereotactic body radiotherapy in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma with macroscopic vascular invasion: a narrative review","authors":"I.J. Gerard , A.M. Glynn , M.D. Faye , M. Yan , A. Mesci , T.K. Kim , R. Vanner , L.A. Dawson","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100298","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100298","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer, with a rising global incidence. Prognosis in HCC remains poor, particularly in patients presenting with macrovascular invasion (MVI), which is associated with high rates of hepatic decompensation, diffuse disease progression, and a median survival of only 2-5 months without treatment. Management of HCC with MVI is complex, requiring multidisciplinary and multimodality approaches. While surgery and transplantation may be considered in select cases, systemic therapy with immunotherapy-based regimens currently represents standard of care. Limitations due to complications with MVI often makes optimal treatment challenging. Advances in modern radiotherapy, particularly stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), have established it as a safe and effective local therapy capable of delivering ablative doses while sparing normal liver tissue. Retrospective series and prospective trials have demonstrated that SBRT provides high local control rates, objective response rates exceeding 50%, and survival benefits when combined with systemic or locoregional therapies alone. SBRT has also shown promise in improving liver function and palliating symptoms in patients with poor hepatic reserve. Emerging evidence suggests synergistic effects when combined with immunotherapy or transarterial therapies, with ongoing studies poised to clarify its role in modern treatment paradigms. Collectively, data support the use of SBRT as a crucial tool in the multidisciplinary management of HCC with MVI, offering durable local control, symptom relief, and the potential to enhance systemic therapy efficacy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100298"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078105","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-27DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100304
A. Ooki , K. Nakano , K. Shimozaki , M. Takamatsu , S. Fukuoka , S. Sakata , H. Osumi , K. Yoshikawa , E. Toyokawa , K. Yoshino , S. Udagawa , T. Wakatsuki , M. Ogura , E. Shinozaki , K. Chin , H. Kawachi , K. Yamaguchi
Background
Zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy improves survival in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, claudin 18 (CLDN18)-positive advanced gastric cancer (AGC), which is defined as ≥75% of tumor cells with moderate-to-strong membranous staining. Whether semiquantitative expression within this range influences treatment outcomes is unknown.
Patients and methods
This single-center retrospective study evaluated patients with AGC treated with zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy between July 2024 and September 2025. Tumors were independently reviewed by three pathologists and categorized as having moderate (75%-94%) or high (95%-100%) CLDN18 expression. Survival, response, and safety were compared across expression levels.
Results
Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were similar across the groups. The median progression-free survival was 6.7 months in both expression groups, and the median overall survival was not reached. The objective response rates were 62.5% and 71.4%, and the disease control rates were 87.5% and 85.7% in the moderate and high expression groups, respectively. The depth of response (−33.6% versus −45.8%) and early tumor shrinkage (43.8% versus 71.4%) differed modestly. The profile of treatment-related adverse events was similar across the expression groups. Specimen type (biopsy or surgical resection) had no apparent impact on treatment outcomes.
Conclusions
Within the approved CLDN18-positive threshold, the semiquantitative staining proportion showed no detectable differences in the efficacy or safety of zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy.
{"title":"Semiquantitative CLDN18 expression and clinical outcomes in patients with CLDN18-positive gastric cancer treated with zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy","authors":"A. Ooki , K. Nakano , K. Shimozaki , M. Takamatsu , S. Fukuoka , S. Sakata , H. Osumi , K. Yoshikawa , E. Toyokawa , K. Yoshino , S. Udagawa , T. Wakatsuki , M. Ogura , E. Shinozaki , K. Chin , H. Kawachi , K. Yamaguchi","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100304","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100304","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy improves survival in patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative, claudin 18 (CLDN18)-positive advanced gastric cancer (AGC), which is defined as ≥75% of tumor cells with moderate-to-strong membranous staining. Whether semiquantitative expression within this range influences treatment outcomes is unknown.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>This single-center retrospective study evaluated patients with AGC treated with zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy between July 2024 and September 2025. Tumors were independently reviewed by three pathologists and categorized as having moderate (75%-94%) or high (95%-100%) CLDN18 expression. Survival, response, and safety were compared across expression levels.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Fifty-one patients were included in the study. Baseline characteristics were similar across the groups. The median progression-free survival was 6.7 months in both expression groups, and the median overall survival was not reached. The objective response rates were 62.5% and 71.4%, and the disease control rates were 87.5% and 85.7% in the moderate and high expression groups, respectively. The depth of response (−33.6% versus −45.8%) and early tumor shrinkage (43.8% versus 71.4%) differed modestly. The profile of treatment-related adverse events was similar across the expression groups. Specimen type (biopsy or surgical resection) had no apparent impact on treatment outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Within the approved CLDN18-positive threshold, the semiquantitative staining proportion showed no detectable differences in the efficacy or safety of zolbetuximab plus chemotherapy.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100304"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146078109","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100292
Y.J. Kim , P. Merle , R.S. Finn , H.-J. Klümpen , H.Y. Lim , M. Ikeda , A. Granito , G. Masi , R. Gerolami , M. Pinter , S. Babajanyan , P. Twumasi-Ankrah , M. Ghadessi , K. Ozgurdal , S. Qin
Background
The findings of the prospective, real-world REFINE trial supported the safety and efficacy of regorafenib reported in the phase III RESORCE study, in a broader population of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This post hoc analysis evaluated patient subgroups based on liver function, liver cancer stage, and prior treatment.
Patients and methods
Patients were analyzed by subgroups based on liver function [Child–Pugh (CP)–B/B7], prior treatment [prior orthotopic liver transplant (pOLT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)/transarterial radioembolization (TARE)], and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of regorafenib. Secondary objectives included effectiveness endpoints of overall survival (OS) and duration of treatment. All analyses were descriptive with no adjustment for confounders.
Results
A total of 1005 patients were evaluable (overall population). In patients with CP–B (n = 123) compared with the overall population, the incidence of grade ≥3 (28% versus 27%) and serious drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar (11% versus 9%), whereas TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation of regorafenib were more common (28% versus 16%). In patients with prior TACE (n = 584), the incidence of TEAEs was generally similar to patients without prior TACE (n = 421) and the overall population (92%, 91%, and 92%, respectively). Median OS was 12.3-19.3 months across all subgroups except CP–B/B7 (6.4/6.7 months).
Conclusions
This subgroup analysis of REFINE provides further evidence on the safety and effectiveness of regorafenib demonstrated in RESORCE, in underrepresented subgroups (CP–B, BCLC stage B/C, pOLT) and in those previously treated with TACE/TARE.
{"title":"Regorafenib use in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: analyses of subgroups of special interest in the observational REFINE study","authors":"Y.J. Kim , P. Merle , R.S. Finn , H.-J. Klümpen , H.Y. Lim , M. Ikeda , A. Granito , G. Masi , R. Gerolami , M. Pinter , S. Babajanyan , P. Twumasi-Ankrah , M. Ghadessi , K. Ozgurdal , S. Qin","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100292","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100292","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The findings of the prospective, real-world REFINE trial supported the safety and efficacy of regorafenib reported in the phase III RESORCE study, in a broader population of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This <em>post hoc</em> analysis evaluated patient subgroups based on liver function, liver cancer stage, and prior treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>Patients were analyzed by subgroups based on liver function [Child–Pugh (CP)–B/B7], prior treatment [prior orthotopic liver transplant (pOLT), transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)/transarterial radioembolization (TARE)], and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety of regorafenib. Secondary objectives included effectiveness endpoints of overall survival (OS) and duration of treatment. All analyses were descriptive with no adjustment for confounders.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1005 patients were evaluable (overall population). In patients with CP–B (<em>n</em> = 123) compared with the overall population, the incidence of grade ≥3 (28% versus 27%) and serious drug-related treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) was similar (11% versus 9%), whereas TEAEs leading to permanent discontinuation of regorafenib were more common (28% versus 16%). In patients with prior TACE (<em>n</em> = 584), the incidence of TEAEs was generally similar to patients without prior TACE (<em>n</em> = 421) and the overall population (92%, 91%, and 92%, respectively). Median OS was 12.3-19.3 months across all subgroups except CP–B/B7 (6.4/6.7 months).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This subgroup analysis of REFINE provides further evidence on the safety and effectiveness of regorafenib demonstrated in RESORCE, in underrepresented subgroups (CP–B, BCLC stage B/C, pOLT) and in those previously treated with TACE/TARE.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100292"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038191","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-22DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100296
R. Fazio, M. Ambrosini, A. Raimondi, C.C. Pircher, C. Leli, C. Sciortino, S. Marchesi, C. Damonte, C. Villa, C. Silvestri, F. Manoni, G. Gronchi, F. Pietrantonio
Gastrointestinal malignancies account for the vast majority of tumours within the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) phenotype. Over the past decade, evidence on the prognostic and predictive role of MSI-H/dMMR status has steadily accumulated, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now considered the cornerstone of treatment for all patients with advanced MSI-H/dMMR cancers. However, in non-colorectal tumours the available evidence is less robust, raising important challenges, such as defining the optimal therapeutic regimen across different treatment lines and establishing the appropriate duration of therapy. More recently, the efficacy of ICIs has also been demonstrated in localized disease, prompting new questions regarding their integration into curative-intent strategies, such as the risk of overtreatment given the favourable prognosis of early-stage tumours, the role of nonoperative management, the optimal treatment regimen, and schedule. In this review, we summarize the available literature and the evidence supporting treatment strategies for patients with early- and advanced-stage MSI-H/dMMR non-colorectal cancers.
{"title":"Early- and advanced-stage MSI-H non-colorectal cancers: best management and challenges in 2025","authors":"R. Fazio, M. Ambrosini, A. Raimondi, C.C. Pircher, C. Leli, C. Sciortino, S. Marchesi, C. Damonte, C. Villa, C. Silvestri, F. Manoni, G. Gronchi, F. Pietrantonio","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100296","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100296","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Gastrointestinal malignancies account for the vast majority of tumours within the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H)/mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) phenotype. Over the past decade, evidence on the prognostic and predictive role of MSI-H/dMMR status has steadily accumulated, and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are now considered the cornerstone of treatment for all patients with advanced MSI-H/dMMR cancers. However, in non-colorectal tumours the available evidence is less robust, raising important challenges, such as defining the optimal therapeutic regimen across different treatment lines and establishing the appropriate duration of therapy. More recently, the efficacy of ICIs has also been demonstrated in localized disease, prompting new questions regarding their integration into curative-intent strategies, such as the risk of overtreatment given the favourable prognosis of early-stage tumours, the role of nonoperative management, the optimal treatment regimen, and schedule. In this review, we summarize the available literature and the evidence supporting treatment strategies for patients with early- and advanced-stage MSI-H/dMMR non-colorectal cancers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100296"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038189","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100294
Y.Y. Janjigian , E. Smyth , L. Shen , J. Lee , P.M. Hoff , S. Lonardi , D. Barrios , K. Kobayashi , Y. Okuda , T. Kamio , K. Shitara
Background
Gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers are usually diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognoses and 5-year survival rates. Standard-of-care first-line treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive locally advanced or metastatic disease is chemotherapy and trastuzumab, plus pembrolizumab for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive [combined positive score (CPS) ≥1] tumors. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) 6.4 mg/kg monotherapy is approved as second-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer. DESTINY-Gastric03 (NCT04379596) showed that first-line T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg plus chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab in the advanced setting had manageable safety and promising efficacy in HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer.
Aim
To investigate a first-line T-DXd plus platinum-free chemotherapy with pembrolizumab treatment approach for patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer.
Trial design
DESTINY-Gastric05 (NCT06731478) is a global, multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg plus 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine and pembrolizumab versus platinum-based chemotherapy with trastuzumab and pembrolizumab in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, centrally confirmed HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry 3+ or immunohistochemistry 2+/in situ hybridization positive) gastric or GEJ cancer with a PD-L1 CPS ≥1. An exploratory cohort is to evaluate T-DXd plus 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine in patients with PD-L1 CPS <1.
{"title":"DESTINY-Gastric05 phase III trial of first-line trastuzumab deruxtecan, chemotherapy, and pembrolizumab in HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer","authors":"Y.Y. Janjigian , E. Smyth , L. Shen , J. Lee , P.M. Hoff , S. Lonardi , D. Barrios , K. Kobayashi , Y. Okuda , T. Kamio , K. Shitara","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100294","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100294","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers are usually diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognoses and 5-year survival rates. Standard-of-care first-line treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive locally advanced or metastatic disease is chemotherapy and trastuzumab, plus pembrolizumab for programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1)-positive [combined positive score (CPS) ≥1] tumors. Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) 6.4 mg/kg monotherapy is approved as second-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer. DESTINY-Gastric03 (NCT04379596) showed that first-line T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg plus chemotherapy with or without pembrolizumab in the advanced setting had manageable safety and promising efficacy in HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To investigate a first-line T-DXd plus platinum-free chemotherapy with pembrolizumab treatment approach for patients with HER2-positive gastric or GEJ cancer.</div></div><div><h3>Trial design</h3><div>DESTINY-Gastric05 (NCT06731478) is a global, multicenter, open-label, randomized, phase III trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of first-line T-DXd 5.4 mg/kg plus 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine and pembrolizumab versus platinum-based chemotherapy with trastuzumab and pembrolizumab in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic, centrally confirmed HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry 3+ or immunohistochemistry 2+/<em>in situ</em> hybridization positive) gastric or GEJ cancer with a PD-L1 CPS ≥1. An exploratory cohort is to evaluate T-DXd plus 5-fluorouracil or capecitabine in patients with PD-L1 CPS <1.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100294"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038192","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-19DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100295
D. Ciardiello , L. Boscolo Bielo , S. Napolitano , E. Martinelli , T. Troiani , E. Cioli , T.P. Latiano , E. Maiello , P. Parente , A. Avallone , A. De Stefano , R. Bordonaro , A.E. Russo , C. Lotesoriere , S. Vallarelli , S. Pisconti , C. Nisi , E. Tamburini , M.G. Viola , S. Lonardi , G. Martini
Background
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) overexpression/amplification is a known prognostic and predictive biomarker in breast and gastric cancer. However, its role in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is still debated.
Patients and methods
We conducted an exploratory analysis to investigate the role of HER-2 amplifications/mutations in patients with RAS/BRAFV600 wild type (WT), microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC enrolled in the CAPRI-2 GOIM trial, who received FOLFIRI/cetuximab as first-line therapy. At baseline, plasma and tumor tissue samples were collected for comprehensive genomic profiling using the FoundationOne CDx assay. HER-2 positive tumors were defined in case of HER-2 mutations or gene amplification, defined by using a gene copy number cut-off of ≥4.
Results
Patients with HER-2 negative tumors had numerically higher objective response rates [78% versus 60%; odd-ratio, 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-8; P = 0.4] compared with HER-2 positive tumors. Patients with HER-2 positive mCRC had worse median progression-free survival (PFS) [(7.54 months; 95% CI:4.99-Not evaluable (NE) versus 13.47 months (95% CI: 11.76-16.3); hazard ratio (HR): 2.47; 95% CI: 1.27-4.65; P = 0.007] as well as worse median overall survival [16.4 months (95% CI:9.4-NE) versus 33.4 (30.36-NE); HR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.09-5.93; P = 0.031] compared with patients with HER-2 negative tumors. Of note, 6/7 cases with HER-2 mutations exhibited limited benefit from treatment with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab with PFS inferior to 8 months.
Conclusion
Taken together, these results highlight the need to test HER-2 gene alterations for patients with RAS/BRAFV600 WT, MSS mCRC, who are candidates for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapies.
{"title":"HER-2 gene alterations as biomarker in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with FOLFIRI + cetuximab: findings from the CAPRI-2 GOIM study","authors":"D. Ciardiello , L. Boscolo Bielo , S. Napolitano , E. Martinelli , T. Troiani , E. Cioli , T.P. Latiano , E. Maiello , P. Parente , A. Avallone , A. De Stefano , R. Bordonaro , A.E. Russo , C. Lotesoriere , S. Vallarelli , S. Pisconti , C. Nisi , E. Tamburini , M.G. Viola , S. Lonardi , G. Martini","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100295","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100295","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) overexpression/amplification is a known prognostic and predictive biomarker in breast and gastric cancer. However, its role in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is still debated.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and methods</h3><div>We conducted an exploratory analysis to investigate the role of <em>HER-2</em> amplifications/mutations in patients with <em>RAS/BRAF</em><sup><em>V600</em></sup> wild type (WT), microsatellite stable (MSS) mCRC enrolled in the CAPRI-2 GOIM trial, who received FOLFIRI/cetuximab as first-line therapy. At baseline, plasma and tumor tissue samples were collected for comprehensive genomic profiling using the FoundationOne CDx assay. HER-2 positive tumors were defined in case of <em>HER-2</em> mutations or gene amplification, defined by using a gene copy number cut-off of ≥4.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Patients with <em>HER-2</em> negative tumors had numerically higher objective response rates [78% versus 60%; odd-ratio, 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47-8; <em>P</em> = 0.4] compared with <em>HER-2</em> positive tumors. Patients with <em>HER-2</em> positive mCRC had worse median progression-free survival (PFS) [(7.54 months; 95% CI:4.99-Not evaluable (NE) versus 13.47 months (95% CI: 11.76-16.3); hazard ratio (HR): 2.47; 95% CI: 1.27-4.65; <em>P</em> = 0.007] as well as worse median overall survival [16.4 months (95% CI:9.4-NE) versus 33.4 (30.36-NE); HR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.09-5.93; <em>P</em> = 0.031] compared with patients with <em>HER-2</em> negative tumors. Of note, 6/7 cases with <em>HER-2</em> mutations exhibited limited benefit from treatment with FOLFIRI plus cetuximab with PFS inferior to 8 months.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Taken together, these results highlight the need to test <em>HER-2</em> gene alterations for patients with <em>RAS/BRAF</em><sup><em>V600</em></sup> WT, MSS mCRC, who are candidates for anti-epidermal growth factor receptor therapies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100295"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038190","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}
Pub Date : 2026-01-14DOI: 10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100271
C. Smolenschi , M. Rémond , M. Valéry , M. Brugel , M. Ducreux , A. Turpin , A. Boilève
Biliary tract cancer and pancreatic cancer are aggressive malignancies, typically diagnosed in patients >50 years of age. Lately, <50 years of age has been rising, presenting unique challenges and clinical features that distinguish them from late-onset cases.
Here, we review the clinical, biological, and molecular characteristics of early-onset biliary tract cancer and pancreatic cancer and compare them with their late-onset counterparts. We also examine treatment patterns, efficacy, and the potential role of targeted therapies, as well as the potential psychological and social effects on younger patients, with particular emphasis on fertility. We therefore offer insights into the unique challenges and therapeutic strategies in managing early-onset disease.
{"title":"Clinical and molecular characteristics of early-onset pancreatic and biliary cancers","authors":"C. Smolenschi , M. Rémond , M. Valéry , M. Brugel , M. Ducreux , A. Turpin , A. Boilève","doi":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100271","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.esmogo.2025.100271","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biliary tract cancer and pancreatic cancer are aggressive malignancies, typically diagnosed in patients >50 years of age. Lately, <50 years of age has been rising, presenting unique challenges and clinical features that distinguish them from late-onset cases.</div><div>Here, we review the clinical, biological, and molecular characteristics of early-onset biliary tract cancer and pancreatic cancer and compare them with their late-onset counterparts. We also examine treatment patterns, efficacy, and the potential role of targeted therapies, as well as the potential psychological and social effects on younger patients, with particular emphasis on fertility. We therefore offer insights into the unique challenges and therapeutic strategies in managing early-onset disease.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100490,"journal":{"name":"ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology","volume":"11 ","pages":"Article 100271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145978116","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}