Early ASCO GI 2026 data spotlight major advances in HER2-positive and CLDN18.2-expressing upper GI cancers, with bispecific HER2 targeting showing meaningful progression-free and overall survival improvements over historical standards. Drs. Hornstein, Brown, and Grewal break down why agents like Zanidatamab may reshape frontline therapy, while also addressing limitations of control arms and real-world toxicity considerations. Promising survival signals with CLDN18.2 inhibition combined with immunotherapy further point toward biomarker-driven treatment strategies gaining momentum. Together, these studies signal a rapid shift toward more precise, targeted approaches in advanced upper GI malignancies.
Contributors:
Dr. Nicholas Hornstein, MD, PhD, is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and Assistant Professor Northwell Health.
Dr. Timothy Brown, MD, MSCE, is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and Assistant Professor at UT Southwestern.
Dr. Udhayvir Grewal, MD, MBBS, is a gastrointestinal medical oncologist and Assistant Professor at Emory University School of Medicine.