Comparison of Alpha-fetoprotein-positive and AFP-negative patients with advanced gastroesophageal junction or gastric cancer receiving immunotherapy: an analysis stratified by HER2 status.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immunotherapy-based regimens are standard first-line treatment for advanced gastroesophageal junction or gastric cancer (GEJ/GC), but their efficacy in alpha-fetoprotein-producing gastric cancer (AFPGC) remains unclear. We investigated the positivity of AFP influenced immunotherapy outcomes in advanced GEJ/GC, and examined whether this role is influenced by the patient's HER2 status. Secondly, we aim to assess the efficacy of anti-angiogenic agents within advanced AFP-positive GEJ/GC (AFP-GEJ/GC).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed patients with advanced GEJ/GC receiving first-line immunotherapy, stratified by HER2 status. AFP-positive GEJ/GC was defined as a pretreatment serum AFP level ≥ 20 ng/mL or positive immunohistochemistry.

Results

In the ove

SUBMITTER: Liu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12616156 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature