Programmed cell death receptor 1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

Abstract

This editorial discusses Christodoulidis et al's article, which appeared in the most recent edition. The clinical trials have demonstrated the programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor Pembrolizumab involved combination therapy can improve the efficacy of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy can enhance its sensitivity, and further eliminate tumor cells that develop resistance to chemotherapy. The combination of Pembrolizumab and Trastuzumab targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 showed improved prognosis. The overall toxic effects of Pembrolizumab are significantly lower than traditional chemotherapy, and the safety is controllable. PD-1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab sheds a light on the treatment of AGC and brings new hope to the clinical practice.

Keywords: Programmed cell death receptor 1 inhibitor; Pembrolizumab; Advanced gastric cancer; Chemotherapy; Trastuzumab

Core Tip: In the past decade, programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitors have shown significant anti-tumor effects and good safety in the treatment of various malignant tumors such as melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. Multiple studies on advanced gastric cancer have shown that the combination therapy of PD-1 inhibitors can improve the efficacy. Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy or human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 targeting therapy have showed improved prognosis. In the future, it is important to explore the reasonable treatment sequence and dosage, to maximize the efficacy of combination therapy.