Clinical Trials for Gastric Cancer
200 gastric cancer trials indexed, 109 currently recruiting. Updated daily from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Understanding Gastric Cancer
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, begins when abnormal cells form in the lining of the stomach. These cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body. The most common type is adenocarcinoma, which develops from the glandular cells of the stomach lining. Diagnosis usually involves a combination of endoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach, and biopsy, where a small tissue sample is taken for examination under a microscope. Imaging tests such as CT scans or PET scans may also be used to determine the extent of the cancer.
Symptoms of gastric cancer often include persistent indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can be vague and similar to less serious conditions, which sometimes delays diagnosis. The disease typically affects adults over the age of 60, but it can occur at younger ages as well. Men are more commonly diagnosed than women. Risk factors include infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a family history of gastric cancer, smoking, certain dietary habits like high salt intake, and chronic inflammation of the stomach lining.
Gastric cancer remains a significant health challenge worldwide. It is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths globally. In the United States, approximately 27,000 new cases are diagnosed annually. The mortality rate is high because many cases are detected at advanced stages. The social and economic burden is considerable, with treatment costs and loss of productivity affecting patients and families. Early diagnosis and improved treatment options are critical to improving outcomes for those affected.
The Gastric Cancer Treatment Landscape
First-line treatment for gastric cancer usually involves surgery to remove the tumor when possible. Surgery may be combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to reduce the risk of cancer returning. For patients with advanced or metastatic disease, chemotherapy is often the main treatment. Common chemotherapy regimens include combinations of drugs such as fluoropyrimidines and platinum-based agents. Treatment plans are tailored based on the stage of cancer, overall health, and patient preferences, with the goal of controlling the disease and relieving symptoms.
When first-line treatments are no longer effective, second- and third-line options may be considered. These often include different chemotherapy drugs or targeted therapies that focus on specific molecules involved in cancer growth. Examples of drug classes used in later lines include taxanes and irinotecan. Targeted therapies may include agents that block HER2, a protein overexpressed in some gastric cancers. Immunotherapy, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, is also an option for certain patients. These treatments can offer additional benefits but may also come with increased side effects.
Despite available treatments, many patients face challenges such as resistance to chemotherapy and significant side effects that affect quality of life. Certain subgroups, like those with diffuse-type gastric cancer, tend to respond poorly to current therapies. Researchers are working to identify new drugs and combinations that can overcome resistance and reduce toxicity. Efforts also focus on finding biomarkers to predict which patients will benefit most from specific treatments. Closing these gaps is essential to improving survival rates and patient well-being.
Why Clinical Trials Matter for Gastric Cancer
Clinical trials offer patients access to new treatments that are not yet widely available. For gastric cancer, there are over 200 clinical trials indexed on ClinicalTrials.gov, with 109 currently recruiting participants. Joining a trial can provide closer medical monitoring and the chance to contribute to scientific knowledge that may help future patients. Trials test novel drugs, treatment combinations, and approaches that could improve outcomes or reduce side effects compared to standard care.
Participation in clinical trials also involves risks. New treatments may not be effective and could cause unforeseen side effects. Some trials include placebo groups or require additional clinic visits and tests, which can be inconvenient. Patients should carefully consider these factors and discuss them with their healthcare providers before enrolling. Understanding both the potential benefits and risks helps ensure informed decisions about trial participation.
The sponsors of gastric cancer clinical trials include academic medical centers, pharmaceutical companies, and cooperative research groups. These organizations design and conduct studies to advance knowledge and treatment options. ClinicalTrials.gov serves as a comprehensive registry that lists trials from around the world, making it easier for patients and caregivers to find studies that match their needs. This transparency supports patient access and promotes collaboration in gastric cancer research.
What to Look for in a Gastric Cancer Clinical Trial
Clinical trials for gastric cancer are categorized into phases 1 through 4. Phase 1 trials focus on testing the safety of a new treatment and determining the correct dose. Phase 2 trials assess how well the treatment works and further evaluate safety. Phase 3 trials compare the new treatment to the current standard treatment to confirm its effectiveness and monitor side effects. Phase 4 occurs after approval, gathering more information on long-term effects. For gastric cancer, there are 64 Phase 1 trials, 58 Phase 2 trials, 18 Phase 3 trials, and 17 with no phase specified. Phase 1 is the most common phase in this area.
Inclusion criteria are important because they define who can participate in a gastric cancer trial. Age limits often range from 18 years and older, but some trials may have upper age limits depending on the treatment risks. Prior treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation might be required or disallowed. Many trials look for specific biomarkers or genetic markers in the tumor to see if the treatment will be effective. The stage of cancer is also a key factor, with some trials focusing on early stages while others include advanced or metastatic disease. The length of time since diagnosis or relapse can influence eligibility as well.
Exclusion criteria help protect patients and keep the trial results clear. Patients with other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, liver problems, or uncontrolled diabetes, may be excluded. Some drugs can interact badly with the trial treatment, so patients taking those medications might not qualify. Safety thresholds like blood counts, kidney, and liver function tests are used to ensure the patient can safely receive the treatment. These criteria reduce risks and help researchers understand the treatment’s effects more accurately.
Patients should also consider practical aspects before joining a trial. The length of the study can vary from a few weeks to several years. Visit schedules may be frequent and require travel to specialized centers. Patients should ask about the number of visits, types of tests, and whether travel expenses are covered. Four important questions to ask the research team include: What are the possible side effects? How will the treatment affect daily life? What happens if the treatment does not work? And, what support services are available during the trial?
Primary Sources and Further Reading
For those looking to learn more about gastric cancer and clinical trials, it is helpful to consult reliable sources. These websites provide detailed information on cancer types, treatment options, and ongoing research. They also offer guidance on how to find and participate in clinical trials safely.
- National Cancer Institute: Stomach Cancer
- MedlinePlus: Stomach Cancer
- ClinicalTrials.gov: Gastric Cancer Trials
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Stomach Cancer
Latest Research and Emerging Treatments for Gastric Cancer (2026)
Ongoing gastric cancer research in 2026 includes several Phase 3 trials exploring new drugs for gastric cancer. One study is testing rilvegostomig combined with trastuzumab deruxtecan, fluoropyrimidines, and other chemotherapy drugs for HER2-positive gastric cancer (NCT06764875). Rilvegostomig is an experimental drug that may help the immune system target cancer cells more effectively. Trastuzumab deruxtecan is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells that express the HER2 protein. This combination aims to improve treatment response and survival for patients with this type of cancer.
Another important trial is evaluating zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy drugs oxaliplatin and capecitabine for patients with Claudin 18.2-positive, HER2-negative advanced gastric cancer (NCT03653507). Zolbetuximab is an antibody that targets Claudin 18.2, a protein found on some cancer cells, helping the immune system attack the tumor. This approach could offer a new option for patients whose tumors do not have the HER2 protein but express Claudin 18.2. The study is testing whether adding zolbetuximab to standard chemotherapy can better control cancer growth.
Additional research includes zanidatamab combined with chemotherapy, with or without the immunotherapy drug tislelizumab, for advanced HER2-positive gastric and esophageal cancers (NCT05152147). Zanidatamab is a bispecific antibody that binds to two different parts of the HER2 protein, potentially improving cancer cell targeting. Tislelizumab is a checkpoint inhibitor that may help the immune system recognize and fight cancer. These new gastric cancer treatments under study in 2026 could provide more personalized options based on tumor markers. For patients, this means potential access to therapies that better match their cancer’s biology, which might improve outcomes and quality of life compared to current standard treatments.
Frequently asked questions about Gastric Cancer trials
How do I find Gastric Cancer clinical trials?
The authoritative source for Gastric Cancer clinical trials is ClinicalTrials.gov, maintained by the U.S. National Library of Medicine. 200 gastric cancer studies are currently indexed. You can search by entering "gastric cancer" as the condition, then filter by recruiting status, phase, and location. TrialsAlert scans ClinicalTrials.gov daily for new gastric cancer trials and delivers a plain-language briefing every Friday explaining what changed.
What phase are most Gastric Cancer trials in?
Across the 200 gastric cancer trials TrialsAlert indexes, the most common phase is Phase 1. Early-phase studies (Phase 1 and Phase 2) test safety and initial efficacy. Phase 3 trials compare a candidate treatment against the current standard of care in larger populations and generate the evidence regulators use to approve new therapies.
How many Gastric Cancer clinical trials are currently recruiting?
As of the latest scan, 109 gastric cancer trials have a "Recruiting" status on ClinicalTrials.gov, out of 200 total indexed. The recruiting figure changes daily as studies open, fill enrollment, and close. TrialsAlert subscribers are notified when a new recruiting gastric cancer trial matches their tracked condition.
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