Targeted and combination immunotherapies using biologics for gastric cancer: the state-of-the-art

Introduction: Gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) remains a prevalent cancer worldwide and its incidence is increasing in South America. The heterogenous nature of GAC makes advances in management challenging.   Areas covered: Despite challenges, recent therapeutic targets are individualizing treatment. For localized disease with microsatellite-instability-high/deficient mismatch repair, immunotherapy is now an adopted practice. In the advanced unresectable setting, those harboring human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) expression continue to be a separate entity.    Expert opinion: Future targets are developing. Among these include claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b), and trophoblast cell surface antigen-2 (TROP-2). FDA approval of zolbetuximab’s, an anti-CLDN 18.2 monoclonal antibody, is expected soon. Additionally, bemarituzumab, ananti-FGFR2b monoclonal antibody, has shown improvements in combination with chemotherapy in those with HER2 negative GAC with FGFR2 overexpression. This combination is now being investigated in a phase 3 trial. Lastly, TROP-2 has emerged as an exciting solid tumor target and study is expected in GAC. All three of these therapeutic targets have seen an abundance of drug development in recent years, and we anticipate newer targeted agents driving therapeutic decisions in GAC in the coming years.