Targeted therapy for advanced esophagogastric adenocarcinoma

BackgroundEsophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGC) is a molecular heterogeneous disease, and therefore, strategies with targeted therapy may be effective.AimThis review will discuss phase III studies in advanced EGC concerning biologic agents targeting molecular pathways, such as EGFR, HER2, VEGFR, mTOR and c-MET.ResultsHER2 inhibition with trastuzumab in combination with first line chemotherapy results in a significant survival benefit for HER2 positive carcinoma patients. Chemotherapy in combination with bevacizumab does not prolong survival in an unselected EGC patient cohort. Preliminary results of trials with EGFR, VEGFR and mTOR inhibitors are, thus far, disappointing in unselected patient cohorts. Promising studies in biomarker selected cohorts with HER2, EGFR and c-MET inhibitors are ongoing.ConclusionTargeted therapy in EGC is emerging. Improved insight in the biologic background of EGC is needed to improve patient selection, combine agents and discover new targets and agents. This may improve outcome for metastasized EGC patients.