Predictive value of homologous recombination-related gene mutations in survival outcomes of first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy for gastric cancer.

Background: Homologous recombination repair (HRR) gene mutations contribute to genomic instability. However, their clinical value in immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based treatments in gastric cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of nivolumab plus chemotherapy according to the HRR mutation status in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

Predictive value of EBV-positivity in patients with gastric cancer treated with first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) positivity is a potential predictive biomarker for immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in gastric cancer patients, but its value in first-line ICI-based chemotherapy remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of EBV positivity in patients treated with first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy.

Methods: This single-center study included advanced gastric cancer patients treated with first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy (n = 293).

Low positivity rate of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b is associated with heterogeneous expression in gastric cancer.

Background: Bemarituzumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting fibroblast growth factor receptor 2b (FGFR2b), is under evaluation in phase 3 trials of gastric cancer (GC) trials. However, data on the characteristics, prognostic significance, and heterogenous expression patterns of FGFR2b overexpression in GC remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the clinicopathologic characteristics and survival outcomes of FGFR2b-positive GC, along with the expression concordance across biopsy, surgical, and metastatic specimens.

Survival outcomes of patients with gastric cancer treated with first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy based on claudin 18.2 expression.

Background: Claudin 18.2 has emerged as a viable therapeutic target in gastric cancer; however, its clinical relevance in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor-based chemotherapy is not known. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of nivolumab plus chemotherapy according to claudin 18.

Discordant PD-L1 results between 28-8 and 22C3 assays are associated with outcomes of gastric cancer patients treated with nivolumab plus chemotherapy.

Background: We evaluated the concordance/discordance of PD-L1 staining results between the 28-8 and 22C3 assays and its impact on the efficacy outcomes of advanced gastric cancer patients treated with nivolumab plus chemotherapy.

Methods: This retrospective study involved 143 gastric cancer patients treated with first-line nivolumab plus chemotherapy whose PD-L1 results with both 28-8 and 22C3 assays were available. The concordance/discordance between these assays and the inter-observer variability were evaluated for PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) positivity.

Association between HER2 heterogeneity and clinical outcomes of HER2-positive gastric cancer patients treated with trastuzumab.

Background: The GASTHER1 study showed that re-evaluation of HER2 status rescued 8% of HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC) patients with initially HER2-negative GC. Since rescued HER2 positivity represents HER2 heterogeneity, we aimed to investigate this in a larger cohort with longer follow-up duration.

Methods: Data of 153 HER2-positive advanced GC patients who received first-line trastuzumab-based chemotherapy were analyzed.

Clinical implications of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and MDSC kinetics in gastric cancer patients treated with ramucirumab plus paclitaxel.

Objective: We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in gastric cancer patients treated with second-line ramucirumab plus paclitaxel.

Methods: A total of 116 patients with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer who receive ramucirumab plus paclitaxel were prospectively enrolled. Fresh blood samples were collected before and after treatment, and flow cytometry was performed to assess the proportions of monocytic (mMDSCs) and granulocytic MDSCs (gMDSCs).

Increasing the documentation of 48-hour antimicrobial reviews.

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing problem worldwide. Encouraging antimicrobial stewardship can help to reduce the negative consequences of inappropriate antibiotic use. This quality improvement project targets to do this by aiming to improve the proportion of 48-hour antimicrobial reviews completed and documented on two surgical wards at Darent Valley Hospital with a goal of 100% compliance.