From the Research
Imfinzi (durvalumab) has shown modest effectiveness for gastric cancer treatment, particularly when combined with chemotherapy, as evidenced by improved overall survival in certain clinical trials 1. The efficacy of Imfinzi for gastric cancer treatment is supported by several studies, including a phase Ia/b study that demonstrated manageable safety and antitumor activity in patients with advanced gastric/gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma 1. Key points to consider when using Imfinzi for gastric cancer treatment include:
- Imfinzi is typically used in combination with chemotherapy regimens at a dose of 1500 mg every three weeks
- The treatment duration usually continues until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity occurs
- Patients should be aware that Imfinzi works as an immune checkpoint inhibitor by blocking PD-L1, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
- Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, and immune-related adverse events like pneumonitis or colitis
- Regular monitoring with scans every 6-12 weeks is typically required to assess treatment response While Imfinzi represents an additional option for gastric cancer patients, other immunotherapies like pembrolizumab may show better results in certain gastric cancer subtypes, particularly those with high PD-L1 expression or microsatellite instability 2, 3. The most recent and highest quality study, a 2025 review of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for gastric cancer, highlights the potential of Imfinzi and other immunotherapies in improving survival and quality of life for gastric cancer patients 2. However, further studies are needed to fully understand the efficacy and safety of Imfinzi for gastric cancer treatment, as well as to identify the most effective combination regimens and patient populations 4.