LUCERNA trial explores novel gastric cancer therapy.

Aug 12, 2026 · Published in: ESMO Gastrointestinal Oncology

Background Information

Exploring new frontiers: a trial for gastric cancer therapy.

There is an unmet need for new treatments in specific gastric cancer patients with certain biomarkers. The trial examines zolbetuximab, pembrolizumab, and chemotherapy versus a control in HER2-negative gastric cancers. This study may pioneer a new standard treatment for a biologically defined subgroup of gastric cancer. The LUCERNA trial explores a combination therapy aiming to improve survival in specific gastric cancer patients.

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Authors: Shitara K, Enzinger P, Lordick F, Smyth E, Rha SY, Van Cutsem E, Xu RH, Strickler JH, Lee P, Klempner SJ

Citation: Shitara K, Enzinger P, Lordick F, et al. Zolbetuximab plus pembrolizumab and chemotherapy in CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative, PD-L1-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: randomized, double-blind, phase III LUCERNA trial. ESMO gastrointestinal oncology. 2026;13(Pt B):100352. doi:10.1016/j.esmogo.2026.100352

Article Links: PubMed · Journal / DOI · Free Full Text (PMC)

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