Programmed cell death receptor 1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer

This editorial discusses Christodoulidis et al's article, which appeared in the most recent edition. The clinical trials have demonstrated the programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibitor Pembrolizumab involved combination therapy can improve the efficacy of advanced gastric cancer (AGC). Pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy can enhance its sensitivity, and further eliminate tumor cells that develop resistance to chemotherapy. The combination of Pembrolizumab and Trastuzumab targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 showed improved prognosis. The overall toxic effects of Pembrolizumab are significantly lower than traditional chemotherapy, and the safety is controllable. PD-1 inhibitor Pembrolizumab sheds a light on the treatment of AGC and brings new hope to the clinical practice.