Wednesday, December 06, 2023 CCTG pleased to announce that the GA.4 study: A Randomized Phase II Study of Paclitaxel and Ramucirumab +/- Zanidatamab in HER2 Positive Advanced Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma has been centrally activated. The purpose of this study is to find out what effects adding a new drug to the standard treatment has on gastroesophageal cancer compared to the standard treatment given alone. This is an understudied type of cancer, and this approach has the potential to treat tumours that have spread to other parts of the body. Some gastroesophageal cancer cells have high amounts of a receptor (protein) called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) which sends growth signals to cancer cells. Monoclonal antibody therapy is a type of targeted therapy used in the treatment of gastroesophageal cancer. Investigators will look at adding a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks the effect of HER2 to the usual treatment with the hope that it works better than the usual treatment alone. “I hope this trial will help to provide a new and potentially better option for patients with gastroesophageal cancers and HER2 positive disease in Canada,” says Dr. Elena Elimova the study lead and a gastrointestinal oncologist at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, UHN. CCTG GA4 study lead Dr Elena Elimova from Princess Margaret Cancer Centre Gastroesophageal cancer has not had much research attention and despite recent advances, does not have many treatment options. A large number of Canada patients will have access to this trial as more sites join the trial. For member GA4 trial information For patient and family GA4 information
