Paired Genetic Testing Improves Targeted Therapy Choices and Screening Recommendations for Gastric Cancer Patients

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Washington conducted a prospective cohort study to assess whether paired normal-tumour testing increased access to targeted therapy, clinical trials, and influenced cancer screening recommendations for patients with gastric cancer. The study found that 76.2% of the 42 patients included in the study were eligible for at least one targeted therapy, and 42.9% had died of cancer complications by January 2024.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study aimed to assess the impact of paired normal-tumour testing on targeted therapy access, clinical trial participation, and cancer screening recommendations for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers.
  • The study included 42 patients with gastric cancer, who underwent paired germline and tumour genetic testing within 90 days of their new patient visit.
  • 76.2% of the patients were eligible for at least one targeted therapy, with 19 patients receiving immunotherapy, including 16 with a biomarker predicting immunotherapy benefit.
  • Six pathogenic variants were identified in four high-risk genes, and personalized screening recommendations were provided to six families thanks to the study.
  • The study highlighted the need to expand access to testing with staging workup to improve survival outcomes for gastric cancer patients.

Statistics:

  • 76.2% of the 42 patients were eligible for at least one targeted therapy.
  • 19 patients received immunotherapy, with 16 having a biomarker predicting immunotherapy benefit.
  • 6 patients did not have the biomarker but received immunotherapy anyway.
  • 6 pathogenic variants were identified in four high-risk genes.
  • By January 2024, 42.9% of the patients had died of cancer complications.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Data on Gastric Cancer Detailed by Researchers at University of Washington (Does paired genetic testing improve targeted therapy choices and screening recommendations for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers and their families? A ...). Immunotherapy Weekly. June 11, 2025; p 1166.
  • BMJ Open. Does paired genetic testing improve targeted therapy choices and screening recommendations for patients with upper gastrointestinal cancers and their families? A prospective cohort of 42 patients. 2025,15(5). (BMJ Open - http://bmjopen.bmj.com/).
  • BMJ Publishing Group. BMJ Open.