New immunotherapy drug combined with chemotherapy for stomach cancer surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT07023315 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated February 2026 · 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 study is testing whether adding a new immunotherapy drug called to standard chemotherapy improves outcomes for people with stomach or esophageal junction cancer that can be surgically removed. Half of participants will receive the medication plus chemotherapy, while the other half will receive chemotherapy alone (with a placebo). The treatment is given before surgery, during surgery, and after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning.

Stomach cancers are aggressive and often come back even after surgery and chemotherapy. Researchers believe this medication might help the immune system fight remaining cancer cells more effectively, potentially improving survival and reducing recurrence.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma that can be surgically removed
your cancer is at stage T3-4 or higher (moderate to advanced, but not spread to distant organs)
you are in good enough health to tolerate surgery and chemotherapy (ECOG performance status 0-1)
you have a life expectancy of at least 6 months
you have adequate organ function (liver, kidney, heart) to safely receive the treatment
you are able to undergo radical surgery to remove the tumor

You likely don't qualify if…

you have already received cancer treatment for this condition
you have cancer that has spread to distant organs or cannot be surgically removed
you are currently taking immunosuppressive medications
you have an active infection requiring treatment, active autoimmune disease, or chronic hepatitis B or C
you have had an organ transplant or another active cancer requiring treatment in the past 5 years

What participation looks like

If accepted, you will be randomly assigned to receive either the new medication plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone. You will receive treatment before surgery (neoadjuvant), undergo surgery to remove the tumor, and then continue treatment afterward (adjuvant). The study involves multiple clinic visits for blood tests, scans, and infusions, spanning several months. Your doctor will monitor you closely for side effects and how well the treatment is working.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(6 sites)

China

Peking University Cancer Hospital, Beijing, Beijing Municipality

Fujian Provincial Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian

Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei

Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, Heilongjiang

Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality