A composite biomarker based on early dynamic changes in lactate dehydrogenase and PD-L1 expression enhances outcome prediction for immunochemotherapy in HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer

In HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer, a ≥26% increase in LDH following two treatment cycles serves as an independent prognostic risk factor. Combining baseline CPS with early LDH dynamics improves the identification of patients with aggressive disease and poor initial treatment response, thereby facilitating closer monitoring and prompt therapeutic reassessment for more personalized management.