Testing a sugar compound to boost cancer treatment effectiveness

Plain-English translation of NCT06826079 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated September 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether , a natural sugar compound taken by mouth, can help boost the effectiveness of chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug (tirellizumab) in treating advanced stomach cancer. The study involves 80 people who will receive the combination treatment before surgery, with half receiving and half receiving a placebo (a dummy pill with no active ingredient). Researchers believe this approach may help your immune system fight the cancer more effectively.

Advanced stomach cancer is difficult to treat, and doctors are looking for ways to make existing treatments work better. This medication is being tested because early research suggests it may help the body's immune system respond more powerfully to chemotherapy and immunotherapy combined.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 70 years old
you have been diagnosed with untreated, HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma at an advanced stage (cT3-4N+M0)
you are in good enough overall health to tolerate intensive treatment (ECOG performance status 0-1)
your blood counts and organ function (liver, kidneys) are within safe ranges for chemotherapy
you are willing to use effective birth control during and for 8 weeks after the trial if you can become pregnant

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer that has spread to distant organs or the peritoneal lining of your abdomen
you have an active or past autoimmune disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis
you have had another cancer diagnosis within the past 5 years (except certain localized skin or early-stage cancers)
you have an active, uncontrolled infection such as tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C, or severe untreated heart or lung disease
you have severe chronic digestive problems with persistent diarrhea or other conditions that would prevent you from completing the study safely

What participation looks like

Over approximately 9–12 weeks before surgery, you will receive three rounds of treatment, with each round lasting 3 weeks. During each round, you'll take either or a placebo pill by mouth daily, receive chemotherapy infusions, and receive the immunotherapy drug (tirellizumab) intravenously. You'll have regular blood tests and imaging scans to monitor your response. After completing the medication rounds, you'll undergo surgical removal of the cancer, followed by additional supportive treatment. You'll also be followed up over time to assess long-term outcomes.

Testing a sugar compound to boost cancer treatment effectiveness

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)