Long-Term Complete Response to Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in a Case of Unresectable Gastric Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-Dxd) has been approved for the treatment of HER2-positive gastric cancer. However, there are only a limited number of cases of gastric cancer where a long-term complete response (CR) has been maintained. Consequently, we report a case of gastric cancer in which long-term CR was maintained. Case Presentation: A woman in her late 60s underwent a gastrointestinal endoscopy, which revealed a type 2 lesion with ulceration in the lesser curvature of the vestibule, and a biopsy, which revealed an adenocarcinoma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed wall thickening of the gastric antecubital region, metastatic liver tumor, and extra-regional lymph node metastasis; a diagnosis of T4a, N3a, M1 (H, LYN), and cStage IVB (HER2 3+) was confirmed. Trastuzumab, oxaliplatin, and S-1 were administered initially. After 9 months, ascites appeared, and progressive disease was diagnosed. Paclitaxel and ramucirumab were started as second-line treatments but discontinued owing to neutropenia and increasing ascites. Third-line treatment with T-Dxd was initiated, and 11 months later, CT showed the disappearance of metastases. Even after 31 months, the CR was maintained. Conclusion: To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the few cases in which long-term CR was maintained with third-line T-Dxd treatment. Treatment strategies for patients with gastric cancer to achieve long-term CR require careful consideration.

Keywords

• trastuzumab deruxtecan
• her2-positive gastric cancer
• ascites