Arcus Biosciences Soars on Positive Gastric Cancer Trial Data
Phase 2 study shows a 26.7-month median overall survival, boosting hopes for its novel anti-TIGIT cancer therapy.
Arcus Biosciences (RCUS) revealed promising new data for its experimental cancer therapy, sending a wave of optimism through the investment community. The company announced that its combination treatment demonstrated a 26.7-month median overall survival in a Phase 2 study for patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer, a significant step forward in treating the aggressive disease.
The EDGE-Gastric trial evaluated a three-part combination: the anti-TIGIT antibody domvanalimab, the anti-PD-1 antibody zimberelimab, and traditional chemotherapy. The results, , mark a potential turning point for the anti-TIGIT drug class, which has seen mixed results in the past.
This new data is a significant improvement over the 12.9-month median progression-free survival reported earlier in the year. Dr. Yelena Y. Janjigian, Chief of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, noted that these results for existing treatments, building confidence in the drug's potential. The findings are significant enough to be slated for presentation at the prestigious European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress.
The positive results have also fueled optimism for the company's ongoing Phase 3 trial, STAR-221, which is evaluating the same drug combination. Enrollment for this pivotal study was completed ahead of schedule, with the first data readout anticipated in 2026. , the regimen could become a new standard of care in the first-line treatment of this type of cancer.
The development is a boost for Arcus and its partner, Gilead, which have invested heavily in the anti-TIGIT space. While some , comparing the overall response rates to existing treatments, the impressive survival data provides a compelling case for the drug's efficacy. As Arcus Biosciences moves forward with its late-stage trials, investors will be closely watching for further confirmation of domvanalimab's potential to reshape cancer therapy.