#Hong Kong #Cadonilimab #Advanced Gastric Cancer #PD-1 Inhibitors

Cadonilimab Proves More Effective Than PD-1 Inhibitors in Treating Advanced Gastric Cancer

In a groundbreaking study presented at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium (ASCO GI), Akeso, Inc. revealed that cadonilimab, when used in combination with chemotherapy, shows a significant survival advantage over traditional PD-1 inhibitors in patients with advanced gastric cancer (G) or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer, particularly those with PD-L1 low expression (CPS <5). This real-world, retrospective cohort study aligns with the observations made in the Phase III clinical trial known as COMPASSION-15, demonstrating cadonilimab's potential to reshape cancer immunotherapy standards.

Study Overview

Cadonilimab has gained attention for its efficacy in broadening treatment options for patients with low PD-L1 expression, a demographic often left with limited effective therapies. The presented data emphasize the importance of addressing these unmet needs in oncology, especially as nearly half of all advanced gastric cancer cases fall under the PD-L1 low or negative categories.

The study involved patients receiving either cadonilimab plus chemotherapy or a PD-1 inhibitor plus chemotherapy as their first-line treatment. Over a median follow-up period of approximately 11 months, the results indicated a substantial improvement in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) with cadonilimab.

Significant Findings

The findings revealed that patients treated with cadonilimab achieved a median OS of 14.3 months, a remarkable extension compared to the 10.3 months reported for PD-1 inhibitor patients. This translates to a 51% reduction in the risk of death. Similarly, PFS improved significantly, with cadonilimab patients experiencing a median of 9.3 months compared to just 5.8 months in the PD-1 group, reflecting a 57% reduction in the threat of disease progression or mortality.

Moreover, the objective response rate (ORR) demonstrated superiority for cadonilimab at 73.3%, in contrast to 57.1% for PD-1 inhibitors among the same cohort, reinforcing the drug's robust effectiveness. Importantly, both treatment regimens exhibited manageable safety profiles, with no notable differences in severe adverse events between the two groups.

Implications of the Findings

These results are particularly crucial considering that, as of 2024, the U.S. FDA restricted approved first-line PD-1 inhibitors solely to PD-L1-positive patients. This regulatory shift highlights the growing concern regarding the inadequacy of current therapies for PD-L1-low or negative gastric cancer patients, which remain a substantial global clinical challenge. With the approval of cadonilimab in China in September 2024, intended for all patients regardless of PD-L1 expression levels, this study supports the expanded use of this treatment option.

Akeso’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of immunotherapy is evident with ongoing efforts to initiate further studies, namely the COMPASSION-37 trial, which is anticipated to start by late 2025 to compare cadonilimab against nivolumab plus chemotherapy.

Conclusion

As the field of cancer therapy evolves, cadonilimab’s promising data marks a significant shift in treating advanced gastric cancer, particularly for those with limited options. By enhancing survival rates and improving the quality of life for patients, cadonilimab not only holds the potential to transform treatment landscapes but also serves as a beacon of hope for many who face the challenges posed by this disease.

For additional insights and updates on this transformative therapy, visit Akeso's corporate profile.