Can PD-1 Be Used to Treat Stomach Cancer?

PD-1 inhibitors have shown effectiveness in treating gastric cancer, particularly in advanced stages. As a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor, PD-1 works by blocking proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. This mechanism enhances the body's natural T cell response against tumors, leading to improved anti-cancer activity.

Initially, PD-1 inhibitors were approved for use as a third-line treatment for gastric cancer. In standard cancer care, the first treatment approach is known as first-line therapy. If the disease progresses, a second treatment plan is introduced as second-line therapy, followed by third-line treatment after that.

Recent clinical trials have demonstrated significant benefits when PD-1 is combined with chemotherapy as a first-line treatment. These studies show that combining PD-1 inhibitors with traditional chemotherapy can significantly improve both progression-free survival and overall survival rates compared to chemotherapy alone.

This combination therapy has led to updated treatment guidelines, with major international and national medical organizations now recommending PD-1 inhibitors as part of first-line treatment protocols for certain gastric cancer patients. These updates reflect the growing role of immunotherapy in early-stage cancer management and highlight the importance of biomarker testing to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for each patient.