Brian Hemphill, MD, clinical oncologist, Tennessee Oncology, discusses molecular profiling for gastric cancer treatment.

While HER2 positivity is not very common in patients with gastric cancer, Hemphill says that patients who receive anti-HER2 agents such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) do have improved response rates and overall survival.

Hemphill adds he is hoping to see more of a shift away from chemotherapy use in the landscape to avoid the associated long-term toxicities. Future treatment approaches might involve a combination of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy or immunotherapy alone.

Overall, community oncologists should be aware that there are other treatment options for their patients.

Brian Hemphill, MD

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Dr. Hemphill on Molecular Profiling for Gastric Cancer Treatment