Abstrait

Results and implications of the Trastuzumab for Gastric Cancer (ToGA) trial

Dok Hyun Yoon1 & Yoon-Koo Kang

Amplification of the HER2 gene and/or overexpression of its encoded protein have been observed in a proportion of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Activity of trastuzumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against HER2, has been investigated in preclinical AGC models, anecdotal case reports and a few pilot trials. More recently, the Phase III Trastuzumab for Gastric Cancer (ToGA) trial found that trastuzumab treatment improved overall survival in AGC patients with amplification or overexpression of HER2. This article will describe the results of the ToGA trial, its impact on treatment of patients with AGC and the implications of these findings.