Next-Generation CAR-Like T-Cell Therapy for Gastric Cancer

ContributorsProf. Dr. Mustafa ÖzdoğanAuthor · Medical review · Editorial approval

PublishedJan 13, 2026

UpdatedOct 17, 2026

3 min read

Next-Generation CAR-Like T-Cell Therapy for Gastric Cancer

In this article

A Striking Increase in Response Rates

Pushing the Boundaries of Immunotherapy

Gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancers (at the junction of the esophagus and stomach) are among the most challenging tumors to treat. Although immunotherapies (PD-1 inhibitors) added to standard chemotherapy have provided some relief in recent years, long-term survival rates remain below the levels we would like to see. A major reason is the difficulty immune cells face in infiltrating the tumor's dense, rigid "microenvironment."

However, a new study presented at the 2026 ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium(Abstract 291) offers a "smart" solution to this problem. Chinese researchers equipped patients' own T cells in the laboratory with a special "penetrating" molecule (iRGD), turning them into super warriors capable of entering the heart of the tumor.

The results are striking: adding this new cell therapy almost doubles the tumor response rate and the time the disease remains controlled. Here are the details of a potential revolution in gastric cancer treatment.

Clinical Glossary: Understanding the Technology

CAR-Like T Cell: Unlike conventional CAR-T cells, these immune cells are enhanced by being "coated" with special peptides rather than through genetic engineering, increasing their ability to recognize and penetrate tumors.

iRGD Peptide: This "key" molecule is the secret behind the technology. By temporarily loosening the structure of tumor blood vessels, it enables both drugs and T cells to penetrate deep into tumor tissue (a tumor-penetrating property).

SOX Regimen: A standard chemotherapy protocol commonly used in gastric cancer, consisting of S-1 (or tegafur) and oxaliplatin.

Study Design: Who Was Treated and How?

This Phase 2 study, conducted by Dr. Qin Liu and colleagues, enrolled previously untreated patients with metastatic or unresectable gastric/esophageal cancer (GC/GEJC). A total of 131 patients were enrolled and assigned to two arms:

Experimental Arm (66 Patients)

SOX Chemotherapy
Anti-PD-1 (Immunotherapy)
CAR-Like T Cells

Control Arm (65 Patients)

SOX Chemotherapy
Anti-PD-1 (Immunotherapy)

Results: A Statistically Significant Difference

The study's primary endpoint, "objective response rate" (tumor shrinkage), was markedly higher in the new treatment arm.

Tumor Response Rate (ORR)

CAR-Like:

78.8%

Standard:

55.4%

(P = .004, statistically significant)

Time Without Disease Progression (PFS)

10.6 Months

CAR-Like Arm

7.3 Months

Standard Arm

Hazard Ratio: 0.57 (43% reduction in the risk of progression)

Safety Profile

The adverse effects of such a potent combination were of particular interest. The study found no new or unexpected safety signals.

Hematological Adverse Effects: The most common serious adverse effects were lymphopenia (34.8%) and thrombocytopenia (25.8%).
Tolerability: Overall, treatment adherence was high and adverse effects were manageable.

DROZDOGAN Academy Commentary

Gastric cancer can resist immunotherapy because its tumor microenvironment is "cold" (poor in immune cells). This study shows how effective it may be to open the tumor's door with the "iRGD" key and let warrior cells enter, rather than trying to force the door open.

A response rate of 78.8% is highly impressive for metastatic gastric cancer. The benefit also observed in patients with peritoneal metastases (spread to the abdominal lining) is particularly encouraging for this very challenging patient group.

Although conducting the study in a Chinese population is a limitation, it provides very strong proof of concept for the future of cellular therapies in solid tumors.

Sources:

Liu Q, et al. Novel CAR-Like T-Cell Therapy Added to First-Line Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy Improves Outcomes in Metastatic GC/GEJC. ASCO Gastrointestinal Cancers Symposium. 2026; Abstract 291.
Ding N, et al. iRGD synergizes with PD-1 knockout immunotherapy by enhancing lymphocyte infiltration in gastric cancer. Nat Commun. 2019;10(1):1336.

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Next-Generation CAR-Like T-Cell Therapy for Gastric Cancer