What's Happening?
Recent findings from the phase 3 SPOTLIGHT and GLOW trials highlight the importance of managing adverse effects (AEs) to maximize the benefits of zolbetuximab in treating HER2-negative, Claudin 18.2-positive advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction
(GEJ) adenocarcinoma. The studies, involving 1072 patients, demonstrated that zolbetuximab combined with chemotherapy significantly improved progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) compared to placebo. The median PFS with zolbetuximab was 10.4 months versus 8.2 months with placebo, while the median OS was 17.9 months compared to 13.7 months with placebo. Effective management of nausea and vomiting, common AEs during early treatment cycles, was crucial for maintaining treatment adherence and maximizing clinical benefits.
Why It's Important?
The findings underscore the critical role of supportive care in cancer treatment, particularly for patients with advanced gastric or GEJ cancer. By effectively managing AEs like nausea and vomiting, healthcare providers can enhance patient comfort and ensure continuity of treatment, which is vital for achieving better clinical outcomes. This approach not only improves survival rates but also reduces the likelihood of early treatment discontinuation, which can compromise the effectiveness of cancer therapies. The study highlights the need for comprehensive care strategies that include antiemetic regimens and steroids to support patients through the initial treatment phases.
What's Next?
The continued focus on AE management in cancer treatment protocols is expected to improve patient outcomes and adherence to therapy. Healthcare providers may increasingly adopt guideline-aligned supportive care measures to mitigate the impact of AEs, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer treatments. Future research may explore additional strategies to further reduce the incidence of AEs and improve patient quality of life during treatment. The findings from the SPOTLIGHT and GLOW trials could inform updates to clinical guidelines and influence the development of new therapeutic approaches for gastric and GEJ cancers.
