Peri-operative use of immunotherapy in gastric and GEJ cancer

In this short video, Assoc. Prof. Sam Klempner shares his perspectives on the evolving role of immunotherapy in the peri-operative management of gastric and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers.  He covers the following key topics: 

• Current treatment landscape for resectable gastric and GEJ cancers, with a focus on peri-operative FLOT chemotherapy 
• Latest trial data from MATTERHORN, KEYNOTE-585, and ESOPEC, and how these studies are shaping clinical practice 
• Clinical impact and safety considerations of combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with FLOT, including adverse events, benefits in key subgroups and practical considerations for implementation

Watch the video update and download the accompanying slide deck for more detailed insights.

Clinical takeaways

• FLOT remains the standard peri-operative regimen for resectable gastric, GEJ, and esophageal cancers 
• MATTERHORN supports adding durvalumab to FLOT, with clear improvements in event-free and overall survival, consistent across most subgroups and without added meaningful toxicity 
• Peri-operative feasibility remains high: over 90% of MATTERHORN participants proceeded to surgery, underscoring that FLOT plus durvalumab is practical in real-world settings 
• Optimal delivery requires MDT coordination to assess resectability, surgical fitness, and support dose adjustments that preserve neoadjuvant intensity 
• In practice, most patients can complete neoadjuvant therapy and surgery, and adding durvalumab is reasonable for the majority of FLOT-eligible patients