CLINICAL TRIALS FOR GASTRIC CANCER
IN CHINA
A guide to the current gastric cancer clinical trial landscape in China โ what is being studied, who qualifies, and how CancerFax coordinates international patient access to open trials at leading Chinese academic cancer centres.
analyticsAt a Glance
- check_circleChina hosts more active gastric cancer trials than any other country โ including first-in-class agents not yet in Western trials
- check_circleActive trials span CLDN18.2, HER2 ADC, FGFR2b, bispecific antibodies, CAR-T, and novel immunotherapy combinations
- check_circleInternational patients can enrol in Chinese gastric cancer trials with appropriate coordination
- check_circleCancerFax identifies trial matches for your biomarker profile and treatment history
Why China Leads Global Gastric Cancer Trial Activity
Gastric cancer is the second most common cancer in China โ a disease burden that has driven the country to invest extraordinarily in clinical research infrastructure. China now hosts more active gastric cancer Phase II and Phase III trials than any other country, and is the primary site of clinical development for novel gastric cancer targets including CLDN18.2, FGFR2b, and EGFR-specific constructs.
โFor patients who have exhausted standard options, China's gastric cancer trial landscape is not a last resort โ it is the frontier of gastric cancer medicine.โ
Novel Target Leadership
Chinese academic centres and domestic biotech companies (CARsgen, Zymeworks, BeiGene, Zymeworks, Gracell, HUTCHMED) have developed and are trialling the largest portfolio of novel gastric cancer-targeted agents globally โ many not yet in Western trials.
Fastest Enrolment
China's large gastric cancer patient volumes allow trials to complete enrolment significantly faster than Western countries โ meaning pivotal data often emerges from Chinese trials first, and trial slots are frequently available for eligible patients.
Current Gastric Cancer Trial Categories in China
A structured overview of active gastric cancer trial categories at Chinese centres โ organised by molecular target and clinical setting.
| Trial Focus | Agent Type | Key Targets / Regimens | Phase | Setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLDN18.2-directed CAR-T | CAR-T cell therapy | CT-041 (tanajducel) โ CARsgen | Phase I/II | CLDN18.2+ gastric, pancreatic |
| FGFR2b inhibition | Monoclonal antibody | Bemarituzumab + mFOLFOX6 | Phase III (FORTITUDE) | FGFR2b+ advanced gastric |
| HER2 ร PD-1 bispecific antibody | Bispecific antibody | KN026 + KN046 / ZW25 + ZW49 | Phase I/II | HER2+ gastric after trastuzumab |
| T-DXd first-line | HER2-directed ADC | T-DXd + nivolumab + chemo (DESTINY-Gastric05) | Phase III | HER2+ advanced gastric โ 1st line |
| CLDN18.2 ร CD3 bispecific antibody | T-cell engager | AMG 910 / IBI389 / others | Phase I/II | CLDN18.2+ gastric |
| VEGFR2 + immune combination | Anti-VEGFR2 + PD-1 | Fruquintinib + tislelizumab | Phase II/III | Advanced gastric 2nd/3rd line |
| RC48 (disitamab vedotin) expansion | HER2-directed ADC (Chinese) | RC48 + anti-PD-1 (RC48-ADC-001 + anti-PD1) | Phase II/III | HER2+ and HER2-low gastric |
| Perioperative IO integration | PD-1 inhibitor + chemo | FLOT + durvalumab (MATTERHORN); FLOT + tislelizumab | Phase III | Resectable gastric/GEJ |
How International Patients Access Gastric Cancer Trials in China
CancerFax manages every step of the clinical trial access process for international gastric cancer patients โ from biomarker eligibility matching through to enrolment and on-trial logistics.
- 1
Submit Records Including Full Biomarker Panel
For gastric cancer trial matching, providing a complete biomarker profile is critical โ HER2, CLDN18.2, PD-L1 CPS, MSI/MMR, FGFR2b expression, and RNF43 mutation status where tested. The more complete the biomarker data, the more precisely CancerFax can identify applicable trials.
- 2
CancerFax Clinical Review and Trial Matching
Our clinical team reviews your biomarker profile, prior treatment lines, ECOG PS, and organ function. We search ChiCTR, ClinicalTrials.gov, and our direct knowledge of active programmes at partner centres to identify trials matching your profile.
- 3
Principal Investigator Contact and Pre-Screen
CancerFax contacts the relevant trial PI or trial coordinator directly to confirm current enrolment status, international patient eligibility, and whether remote pre-screening is available before you travel.
- 4
Remote Pre-Screening Consultation
Many Chinese centres offer a video consultation or document-based pre-screen to assess international patient eligibility before formalising enrolment โ avoiding the cost and time of travelling for an inconclusive eligibility visit.
- 5
Visa, Travel, and On-Trial Logistics
CancerFax coordinates the medical visa invitation letter, travel arrangements, accommodation, and hospital admission timing aligned with the trial's screening visit schedule.
- 6
On-Trial Support and Reporting
Throughout trial participation, CancerFax provides active translation support, coordinates between the trial team and your home oncologist, and manages logistics for required protocol visits.
China's Gastric Cancer Trial Landscape โ Scale and Focus
Indicative figures showing the scope of China's gastric cancer trial activity versus global comparators and the distribution of focus areas in active trials.
Active Gastric Cancer Phase II/III Trials by Country (Approximate)
Approximate active gastric cancer Phase II/III trial counts from ChiCTR + ClinicalTrials.gov as of mid-2025. China leads in volume due to highest patient enrollment capacity.
- China300+ trials
- USA~180 trials
- South Korea~80 trials
- Japan~60 trials
Novel Target Trial Distribution in China (Approximate % of active trials)
Approximate distribution of novel-target gastric cancer trials active in China as of mid-2025.
- PD-1/PD-L1 combinations~40%
- HER2-directed agents~25%
- CLDN18.2-directed therapies~15%
- VEGFR, FGFR, other targets~20%
Gastric Cancer Trials in China โ Key Numbers
The scale of China's gastric cancer trial programme in context.
- 300+Active gastric cancer Phase II/III trials registered in ChinaMore than any other single country โ driven by the highest national gastric cancer patient volume in the world.
- CT-041First CAR-T cell therapy specifically targeting CLDN18.2 in gastric cancerTanajducel (CT-041) is available exclusively in China through CARsgen's clinical programme โ a genuinely novel approach not accessible anywhere else.
- 48 hrsCancerFax turnaround from records submission to trial eligibility shortlistRapid trial matching is critical for gastric cancer patients โ a fast-moving disease where timing determines options.
More from the Gastric Cancer Resource Library
Continue exploring gastric cancer treatment options โ from approved targeted agents to immunotherapy and advanced treatment access.
Frequently Asked Questions: Gastric Cancer Trials in China
What biomarker tests do I need before applying for a gastric cancer trial in China?
The essential biomarker panel for gastric cancer trial matching is: HER2 IHC + ISH, CLDN18.2 IHC (SPOTLIGHT scoring โ โฅ75% cells 2+/3+), MSI/MMR by IHC or PCR, PD-L1 CPS, and FGFR2b IHC or ISH (for bemarituzumab trial eligibility). NGS-based comprehensive tumour profiling, where available, is additionally useful for identifying other actionable targets. CancerFax advises on whether your existing pathology is complete or whether additional testing is needed before trial matching begins.
Are Chinese gastric cancer trials open to patients who have had Western treatment?
Yes โ most Chinese gastric cancer trials specify eligibility based on prior treatment lines, biomarker status, and organ function rather than where prior treatment was received. Patients who have received FLOT, FOLFOX, trastuzumab, or nivolumab at Western institutions are generally eligible for the relevant Chinese trials as long as they meet the protocol's specific eligibility criteria. CancerFax confirms eligibility with the PI after reviewing your Western treatment records.
What happens if I enrol in a trial but my condition deteriorates before treatment starts?
If a patient's condition deteriorates after enrolment consent but before the first trial treatment, the PI reassesses eligibility โ performance status decline, new organ dysfunction, or disease progression may result in withdrawal from the trial protocol. CancerFax maintains daily contact with the trial team during the pre-treatment period and provides immediate escalation if clinical concerns arise. We also advise on alternative treatment options at the same centre if trial eligibility is lost.
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination โ travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
Want to Know if You Qualify for a Gastric Cancer Trial in China?
CancerFax reviews your biomarker results, staging, and treatment history to identify active gastric cancer trials in China for which you may be eligible โ and coordinates the full access process from pre-screening to enrolment.
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Trial eligibility is determined by the principal investigator. Always consult a qualified oncologist before enrolling in a clinical trial.