Immunotherapy's expanding role in GI cancers: from 1L to adjuvant settings

This podcast is available on the GI Cancer Channel on VJOncology, an independent medical education platform, which is supported by Takeda (Gold) and Gilead Sciences (Silver). Supporters have no influence over the production of content. The levels of sponsorship listed are reflective of the amount of funding given. This VJOncology podcast explores the evolving landscape of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal malignancies, spanning from perioperative to adjuvant settings across multiple tumor types. Findings from the Phase II KEYSTEP-008 platform trial are presented, focusing on optimizing pembrolizumab-based combinations in MSI-high, mismatch repair deficient metastatic colorectal cancer. In addition, emerging biomarkers for immunotherapy beyond microsatellite instability in colorectal cancer are explored, including results from the TAPUR trial evaluating dual checkpoint inhibition in patients with BRCA1/2 alterations. The historically challenging adjuvant setting in hepatocellular carcinoma is examined through insights from the KEYNOTE-937 trial evaluating immunotherapy after curative-intent treatment. Finally, experts discuss the NEOSUMMIT-01 trial and how perioperative immunotherapy is transforming treatment strategies for locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers. Together, these perspectives highlight immunotherapy's expanding therapeutic potential across the GI cancer spectrum.