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Opinion|Videos|November 24, 2025

Detailing the Ongoing Phase 3 STAR-221 Trial of Domvanalimab/Zimberelimab Plus FOLFOX in First-Line Gastric/GEJ/Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Author(s)Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, Zev A. Wainberg, MD

Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, and Zev A. Wainberg, MD, detail the design of the phase 3 STAR-221 trial comparing domvanalimab plus zimberelimab and FOLFOX with nivolumab plus chemotherapy for first-line advanced gastric, GEJ, or esophageal adenocarcinoma. They discuss why nivolumab plus chemotherapy serves as an appropriate control arm and the importance of head-to-head evidence in clarifying comparative benefit across immunotherapy combinations. They review the study’s primary endpoints and overall goals, including survival outcomes and the potential to redefine the frontline standard.

Episodes in this series

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 1 Current Standards and Unmet needs in Advanced Gastric/GEJ Cancer

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 2 EDGE-Gastric Trial: Breaking Down Data for Domvanalimab/Zimberelimab Plus Chemo in First-Line Gastric/GEJ/Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 3 Detailing the Ongoing Phase 3 STAR-221 Trial of Domvanalimab/Zimberelimab Plus FOLFOX in First-Line Gastric/GEJ/Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 4 Where Domvanalimab/Zimberelimab/Chemo Could Fit in the Advanced Gastric/GEJ/Esophageal Adenocarcinoma Paradigm

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 5 Ongoing Research to Watch in Advanced Gastric/GEJ Cancer

2 experts are featured in this series.

EP. 6 Other Key Data in Gastric/GEJ Cancer Presented at ESMO 2025

Yelena Y. Janjigian, MD, and Zev A. Wainberg, MD, detail the design of the phase 3 STAR-221 trial comparing domvanalimab plus zimberelimab and FOLFOX with nivolumab plus chemotherapy for first-line advanced gastric, GEJ, or esophageal adenocarcinoma. They discuss why nivolumab plus chemotherapy serves as an appropriate control arm and the importance of head-to-head evidence in clarifying comparative benefit across immunotherapy combinations. They review the study’s primary endpoints and overall goals, including survival outcomes and the potential to redefine the frontline standard.

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