A randomized active-controlled phase 2 trial of 190 patients found median overall survival of 4.8 months with lomvastomig, 6.7 with tobemstomig and 8.1 with nivolumab.
Key findings
- Of 190 randomized patients, 27 received lomvastomig before early arm discontinuation, 82 tobemstomig and 81 nivolumab. Median OS was 4.8, 6.7 and 8.1 months; ORR was 3.7%, 9.8% and 8.6%. Neither experimental drug improved overall survival.
Why this matters globally
Publishing the negative overall result prevents overestimation and shows that bispecific checkpoint development needs rigorous biomarker validation.
Thai researcher contribution
A Prince of Songkla University researcher participated in the multinational esophageal-cancer trial network.
Limitations to consider
The lomvastomig arm had only 27 patients and stopped early; 80% rather than conventional 95% CIs were reported. Biomarker subgroups were exploratory and vulnerable to multiplicity and small numbers.