| [ Summary ] |
At this time, trastuzumab is the only molecular targeting agent which has shown survival benefits for HER2 positive gastric cancer treatment. The anti-VEGF antibody bevacizumab was not shown to provide benefits in terms of overall survival in a phase III trial. The anti-EGFR antibodies, panitumumab and cetuximab have not demonstrated any degree of efficacy in terms of RR, PFS, or OS. Everolimus, a mTOR inhibitor, may prolong progression free survival times, but not overall survival in 2nd-line or later line treatments. These negative trials were conducted for all advanced gastric cancer patients, not selected through biomarkers. Many other molecular targeting agents are now in development for treatment of advanced gastric cancer. However, a biomarker for each agent should be determined in the earlier phases of clinical trials. |