Current and Emerging Targeted Therapy in Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Background/Objectives: Advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) carries a poor prognosis, with median overall survival of 13–20 months despite standard chemotherapy. Since trastuzumab’s approval, biomarker-driven precision therapies have expanded rapidly. This review comprehensively summarises current and emerging targeted agents across the key molecular targets driving advanced GEA. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, searching English-language human studies published between February and July 2026, supplemented by updates during editing to reflect current standards. Results: HER2-directed therapy has progressed from trastuzumab through dual blockade, immunotherapy combinations, next-generation ADCs (notably trastuzumab deruxtecan) and bispecific antibodies such as zanidatamab, which has now overtaken trastuzumab in the first-line setting. CLDN18.2-targeted zolbetuximab has demonstrated survival benefit in biomarker-selected patients, with newer ADCs, BiTEs and the first approved solid-tumour CAR-T therapy (satricabtagene autoleucel) extending this target further. VEGFR2 inhibition with ramucirumab remains a cornerstone in later lines, while novel VEGF/PD-1(L1) bispecifics are under investigation. FGFR2b-targeted bemarituzumab showed early promise that weakened on phase 3 confirmation, and MET/EGFR-directed agents, including savolitinib and amivantamab, require stringent biomarker selection to demonstrate benefit amid tumour heterogeneity. Conclusions: Novel targeted agents, particularly to HER2 and CLDN18.2, have demonstrated survival benefit despite ongoing challenges. Other lines are more investigational.

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Publication Details

Journal
Pharmaceuticals
Published
2026-09-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19091420
Primary Topic
HER2/EGFR in Cancer Research
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
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article

Current and Emerging Targeted Therapy in Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Umair Mahmood, Yusuf Ahmad, Oliver Oakley, Elizabeth Smyth
Pharmaceuticals
HER2/EGFR in Cancer Research
article

Current and Emerging Targeted Therapy in Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma

Umair Mahmood, Yusuf Ahmad, Oliver Oakley, Elizabeth Smyth
article en

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEA) carries a poor prognosis, with median overall survival of 13–20 months despite standard chemotherapy. Since trastuzumab’s approval, biomarker-driven precision therapies have expanded rapidly. This review comprehensively summarises current and emerging targeted agents across the key molecular targets driving advanced GEA. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, searching English-language human studies published between February and July 2026, supplemented by updates during editing to reflect current standards. Results: HER2-directed therapy has progressed from trastuzumab through dual blockade, immunotherapy combinations, next-generation ADCs (notably trastuzumab deruxtecan) and bispecific antibodies such as zanidatamab, which has now overtaken trastuzumab in the first-line setting. CLDN18.2-targeted zolbetuximab has demonstrated survival benefit in biomarker-selected patients, with newer ADCs, BiTEs and the first approved solid-tumour CAR-T therapy (satricabtagene autoleucel) extending this target further. VEGFR2 inhibition with ramucirumab remains a cornerstone in later lines, while novel VEGF/PD-1(L1) bispecifics are under investigation. FGFR2b-targeted bemarituzumab showed early promise that weakened on phase 3 confirmation, and MET/EGFR-directed agents, including savolitinib and amivantamab, require stringent biomarker selection to demonstrate benefit amid tumour heterogeneity. Conclusions: Novel targeted agents, particularly to HER2 and CLDN18.2, have demonstrated survival benefit despite ongoing challenges. Other lines are more investigational.

PharmaceuticalsVol. 19(9)
Milton Keynes Hospital (GB), Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust (GB)
No poverty
Openalex Percentile: Top 13%
HER2/EGFR in Cancer Research
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