Medical journal reports longer progression-free survival with zanidatamab treatment compared to standard therapy.
A new cancer drug has shown promising results for patients with a specific type of stomach and gullet cancer, according to research published in a leading medical journal.
The New England Journal of Medicine announced trial results showing zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy improved progression-free survival compared to the current standard treatment.
The Trial Results
The HERIZON-GEA-01 trial focused on patients with HER2-positive gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma. This affects the stomach and oesophagus — the tube connecting the throat to the stomach.
Patients receiving zanidatamab plus chemotherapy lived longer without their cancer progressing than those on trastuzumab plus chemotherapy. The benefit occurred both with and without an additional drug called tislelizumab.
HER2-positive cancers have higher levels of a protein called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. This protein can fuel cancer growth but also makes tumours vulnerable to targeted treatments.
Current Treatment Landscape
Trastuzumab has been the standard targeted therapy for HER2-positive gastroesophageal cancers. But researchers continue searching for more effective options.
Zanidatamab works differently from trastuzumab by targeting two parts of the HER2 protein simultaneously. This dual approach may explain why it showed better results in the trial.
The research represents another step forward in personalised cancer medicine. Doctors increasingly tailor treatments based on specific genetic features of individual tumours.
What Happens Next
Drug regulators will need to review the full trial data before zanidatamab becomes available to patients. This process typically takes months or years.
The treatment would likely be expensive initially. But cancer drugs often become more affordable over time through NHS negotiations and generic versions.
Source: @NEJM
Key Takeaways
- Zanidatamab plus chemotherapy improved progression-free survival versus standard treatment
- The trial involved patients with HER2-positive stomach and gullet cancers
- Results published in the New England Journal of Medicine
What This Means for Kent Residents
Kent cancer patients should discuss any new treatment options with their oncology teams at hospitals including Maidstone, Canterbury, and Medway. The NHS will evaluate zanidatamab through its standard approval process before it becomes available locally. Anyone concerned about stomach or gullet cancer symptoms should contact their GP or call NHS 111 for guidance on when to seek medical attention.
New Cancer Drug Shows Promise for Stomach and Gullet Tumours Quiz
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