What's Happening?
The MATTERHORN Phase III trial has shown that perioperative treatment with IMFINZI (durvalumab) combined with FLOT chemotherapy significantly improves overall survival in patients with early-stage gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. The trial demonstrated
a 22% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy alone, with 69% of patients treated with the IMFINZI regimen alive at three years versus 62% in the chemotherapy-only arm. These results were presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology Congress 2025, marking the first perioperative immunotherapy approach to show a survival benefit in this setting.
Why It's Important?
Gastric cancer is a challenging disease with a poor prognosis, especially in early stages where recurrence is common. The MATTERHORN trial results suggest that IMFINZI could become a new standard of care, offering a significant survival advantage. This could lead to changes in treatment protocols, improving outcomes for patients and potentially reducing the need for extensive surgical interventions. The findings also highlight the role of immunotherapy in treating early-stage cancers, where curative outcomes are possible.
What's Next?
The trial results pave the way for IMFINZI to be considered in treatment guidelines for early gastric cancer. Further research may explore its efficacy in other cancer types and stages. Regulatory approval processes will be crucial to making this regimen accessible to patients globally. The oncology community will be watching closely to see how these results influence clinical practice and patient outcomes.
Beyond the Headlines
The success of IMFINZI in this trial highlights the potential of immunotherapy to transform cancer treatment. It also raises questions about the long-term management of immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe. As immunotherapy becomes more integrated into cancer care, understanding these reactions will be essential to maximizing patient benefits.
