Results from a new phase 3 study conducted in China demonstrated a significant improvement in progression-free survival in patients with advanced stomach cancers. According to the authors, this is the first phase 3 trial to demonstrate survival benefits with a new treatment alternative to ramucirumab-containing therapy in the second-line setting for patients with advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. These results will be presented during the February 2024 session of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Plenary Series.

Patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) with extrapelvic nodal or visceral metastasis who were treated with the combination therapy of cabozantinib plus atezolizumab had significantly improved time to disease progression compared to those who were treated with hormonal therapy. This research will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, taking place January 25-27 in San Francisco, California.

The addition of durvalumab and bevacizumab to TACE significantly improved progression-free survival in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) that were eligible for embolization. According to the authors, this is the first trial to demonstrate improved clinical outcomes for immunotherapy-based combinations with TACE in these patients. The research will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, taking place January 18-20 in San Francisco, California and online.

The role of ctDNA, or liquid biopsy, as a predictive tool to guide and monitor cancer treatment, remains unclear after the first prospective randomized phase II trial evaluating clearance of ctDNA as a primary endpoint using adjuvant chemotherapy in patients with stage II colon cancer did not meet its endpoint. The NRG-GI005 (COBRA) phase II/III study was halted after the results of the pre-planned phase II analysis found that the use of chemotherapy did not increase the rate of ctDNA clearance among patients who had detectable ctDNA after surgery when compared to patients who did not receive chemotherapy. The research will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, taking place January 18-20 in San Francisco, California and online.

Results from a new phase III study found that combining PD-L1and TIGIT inhibitors plus chemotherapy in the first-line setting prolongs survival in an Asian population of patients with metastatic or locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. This treatment combination has the potential to boost the body's ability to fight cancer and may ultimately lead to better outcomes for these patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body. The research will be presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium, taking place January 18-20 in San Francisco, California. 

Six studies exploring new approaches for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers will be highlighted in the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium’s official Press Program. The research includes circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in colorectal cancer and new treatment options for pancreatic, liver, and esophageal cancers. Studies featured in the Press Program are among the more than 750 abstracts that will be presented at the Symposium.