Divarasib comparative lung cancer results and two gastric cancer trial updates.
Lung cancer research
Divarasib improves survival versus existing KRAS-targeted lung cancer treatments
Roche reported that investigational divarasib reduced the relative risk of death by 44% versus sotorasib or adagrasib in a 338-patient Phase III trial. Median survival approached 18 months versus 12 months, with fewer treatment-related discontinuations; regulatory discussions are ongoing.
Why it matters: Provides comparative evidence that could influence treatment sequencing in previously treated KRAS G12C-mutated lung cancer.
Takeda plans Japan filing after gastric cancer trial meets both main goals
Takeda’s investigational arcotatug tavatecan improved median overall survival to 10.2 months versus 6.9 months with chemotherapy in heavily pretreated gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. It also improved progression-free survival; serious adverse effects affected approximately 47%, and one treatment-related death was reported.
Why it matters: Supports a planned Japanese approval application in 2027 and adds evidence for claudin 18.2-targeted antibody-drug conjugates.
AstraZeneca gastric cancer candidate improves survival but misses progression endpoint
Investigational sonesitatug vedotin extended median overall survival to 10 months versus five months with chemotherapy in a 532-patient trial. However, progression-free survival did not reach statistical significance, leaving a mixed efficacy picture requiring careful interpretation.
Why it matters: Highlights why clinicians and development teams must assess all major endpoints when evaluating a potential new oncology treatment.
Editorial summaries for general information only; not medical advice. Research findings and company announcements should be read in their original context.