Application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in immunotherapy for gastric cancer

Immunotherapy. 2023 Feb;15(2):101-115. doi: 10.2217/imt-2022-0080. Epub 2023 Jan 4.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide. With the development of immunotherapy, especially the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer has improved. At present, ICIs combined with other therapies or dual ICI strategies in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer have shown clinical effectiveness and controllable safety. In addition, predictive biomarkers facilitate the precise selection of patients. Therefore, it is crucial to explore rational combinations and reliable predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy. This article reviews the recent advances in ICIs and relevant predictive biomarkers in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Keywords: combination therapy; gastric cancer; immune checkpoint inhibitors; predictive biomarkers; recent advances.

Plain language summary

In recent years, with the application of immunotherapy, clinical efficacy in gastric cancer has been effectively improved. At present, it is encouraging that immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy has become the first choice for the treatment of patients with advanced gastric cancer. However, researchers remain committed to exploring the efficacy of immunotherapy in combination with various therapies. Equally important, the identification of biomarkers can facilitate the selection of patients suitable for immunotherapy. This article summarizes important immunotherapy clinical trials and discusses therapeutic combinations and biomarkers being explored.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Humans
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors* / therapeutic use
  • Immunotherapy
  • Prognosis
  • Stomach Neoplasms* / therapy

Substances

  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
  • Biomarkers