Long-Term Outcomes and Integrated Tumor–Immune Molecular Correlates Following Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX and Chemoradiation for Esophagogastric Cancer
Gastroesophageal (GE) adenocarcinoma is an aggressive cancer of the digestive tract with high rates of recurrence and poor long-term survival for patients despite multimodal treatments combining surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. While intensive therapies before surgery can improve outcomes, physicians still need better ways to identify which patients are most likely to experience long-term disease control and may benefit from less extensive surgery. Our research builds on a National Cancer Institute-sponsored clinical trial that evaluated an intensified treatment approach using FOLFIRINOX chemotherapy followed by chemoradiation and surgery for patients with locally advanced GE adenocarcinoma. With more than five years of follow-up now available, this unique patient cohort provides an important opportunity to study long-term outcomes from this trial and integrate advanced biomarkers. By analyzing tumor samples, novel tumor-specific proteins detectible in blood, and measures of the body’s immune response to treatment, we aim to identify biomarkers associated with long-term disease control. Through this work, we are helping to personalize treatment, support organ-preserving approaches for select patients, and advance the development of new biomarkers to improve outcomes for patients with this challenging cancer.
