Dr. Janjigian on the Emergence of New Treatment Options in Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, discusses the emergence of new treatment options in esophageal and gastric cancer.

In 2020, a host of data have emerged in the field of esophageal and gastric cancer​. Moreover, an FDA approval for fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu) ​for the treatment of patients with HER2-positive unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer is highly anticipated. In May 2020, the FDA granted the agent a breakthrough therapy designation for these patients who have received 2 or more prior lines of therapy, including trastuzumab (Herceptin). Patients with HER2-positive disease represent an unmet need in the space, Janjigian says.

 Notably, with the number of treatment options currently available, along with new approaches in the pipeline, it’s paramount for the field to become familiar with all relevant research. New findings ​from clinical trials can often be applied to practice on a more widespread level, Janjigian emphasizes.