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NCT06123338 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

A Study of Pembrolizumab With Trastuzumab and Chemotherapy in People With Esophagogastric Cancer

What this study is about

The purpose of this study to find out whether adding trastuzumab and pembrolizumab to standard chemotherapy is an effective treatment for resectable HER2+ esophagogastric cancer.

View original scientific description

The purpose of this study to find out whether adding trastuzumab and pembrolizumab to standard chemotherapy is an effective treatment for resectable HER2+ esophagogastric cancer.

Interventions

DRUG

Pembrolizumab

Pembrolizumab will be administered on an every 3-week dosing schedule

DRUG

Trastuzumab

Trastuzumab will be administered on an every 3-week dosing schedule

DRUG

Oxaliplatin

Oxaliplatin every 3 weeks, +/-7 days

DRUG

Capecitabine

Capecitabine twice daily on days 1 to 14 every 3 weeks or 5-FU on days 1 to 5 every 3 weeks

DRUG

5-Fluorouracil

5-Fluorouracil administered as a 24 hour IV continuous infusion once every 2 weeks

DRUG

Docetaxel

Docetaxel administered intravenously once every 2 weeks.

OTHER

Nutrition questionnaires (optional)

will be collected (optionally)

OTHER

stool and saliva samples (optional)

will be collected (optionally)

Primary outcome measures

Event-free survival (EFS)

Time frame: 2 years

EFS is defined as the time from start of treatment to time of disease progression, recurrence, or death, whichever occurs first.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 18 years or older at time of signing informed consent.
  • ECOG performance status 0-1.
  • HER2+ esophageal, GEJ, or gastric adenocarcinoma biopsy or resection specimen as defined by local HER2 IHC3+ or IHC 2+/FISH\>2.0 expression.
  • Complete surgical resection of the primary tumor must be achievable
  • Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined in Table 1. Table 1 - Organ Function Requirements for Eligibility Hematological
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC): ≥1,500 /mcL
  • Platelets: ≥100,000 / mcL
  • Hemoglobin: ≥8 g/dL Renal
  • Creatinine clearance: ≥ 50 mL/minute Hepatic
  • Serum total bilirubin: ≤ 1.5 X ULN OR Direct bilirubin ≤ ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels \> 1.5 ULN. Except patients with Gilbert's disease (≤3x ULN)
  • AST and ALT: ≤ 2.5 X ULN
  • Albumin: \>3 mg/dL Coagulation
  • International normalized ratio (INR) OR prothrombin time (PT) Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT): \<1.5 x ULN unless participant is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or aPTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
  • Male participants: A male participant must agree to use contraception as detailed in Section 15.3 of this protocol during the treatment period and for at least 230 days (5 terminal half-lives of trastuzumab \[140\] plus an additional 90 days \[spermatogenesis cycle\]) after the last dose of study treatment and refrain from donating sperm during this period.
  • Female participants: A female participant is eligible to participate if she is not pregnant, not breastfeeding, and at least one of the following conditions applies:
  • Not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) as defined in section 15.3 OR
  • A WOCBP who agrees to follow the contraceptive guidance in section 15.3 during the treatment period and for at least 170 days (140 days plus an additional 30 days \[menstruation cycle\]) after the last dose of study treatment.

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of metastatic or recurrent disease.
  • Has received prior treatment for esophagogastric cancer
  • Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-CTLA-4 agent.
  • Has received prior therapy with an anti-HER2 agent
  • Left ventricular ejection fraction \<50% within 1 month of screening by MUGA or echocardiogram. Patients with an ejection fraction 45-49% may be permissible in the absence of any cardiac symptoms, if cleared by a cardiologist, and per the investigator's discresion.
  • Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of treatment.
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment.
  • Patients who have received acute, low dose, systemic immunosuppressant medications (e.g., dexamethasone containing antiemetic regimen or steroids as CT scan contrast premedication) may be enrolled.
  • The use of inhaled corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids (e.g., fludrocortisone) for patients with orthostatic hypotension or adrenocortical insufficiency is allowed.
  • Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus tuberculosis)
  • Hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients
  • Has been diagnosed or treated for another malignancy in the past 3 years (not including non-melanoma skin cancer)
  • Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
  • Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy.
  • Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
  • Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment.
  • A WOCBP who has a positive urine pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to allocation. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required.
  • Has had an allogeneic tissue or solid organ transplant
  • Active or prior documented autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (including inflammatory bowel disease; systemic lupus erythematosus; Wegener syndrome \[granulomatosis with polyangiitis\]; myasthenia gravis; Graves' disease; rheumatoid arthritis, hypophysitis, uveitis) within the past 3 years prior to the start of treatment. The following are exceptions to this criterion:
  • Subjects with vitiligo or alopecia
  • Subjects with hypothyroidism (e.g., following Hashimoto syndrome) stable on hormone replacement or psoriasis not requiring systemic treatment.
  • Has a known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies).
  • Has known active Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected).
  • Has received a live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study therapy. Note: Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally inactivated flu vaccines and are allowed; however intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., Flu-Mist®) are live attenuated vaccines, and are not allowed.
  • Is unwilling to give written informed consent, unwilling to participate, or unable to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study.

Where

  • Boston, Massachusetts
  • Basking Ridge, New Jersey
  • Middletown, New Jersey
  • Montvale, New Jersey
  • Commack, New York
  • Harrison, New York
  • New York, New York
  • Uniondale, New York
  • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
  • Houston, Texas

Collaborators

Genentech, Inc., Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Related conditions & keywords

Esophageal CancerGastric AdenocarcinomaHER2 Gene MutationHER2+ Esophageal cancerHER2+ GEJ cancerHER2 IHC3+ expressionIHC 2+/FISH>2.0 expressionEsophagogastric cancerMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center23-124

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Oct 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 49 participants interested
2% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Boston

Massachusetts

Location available
RECRUITING

Basking Ridge

New Jersey

Location available
RECRUITING

Middletown

New Jersey

Location available
RECRUITING

Montvale

New Jersey

Location available
RECRUITING

Commack

New York

Location available
RECRUITING

Harrison

New York

Location available
RECRUITING

New York

New York

Location available
RECRUITING

Uniondale

New York

Location available
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

Location available

And 1 more location available.

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

Find More Esophageal Cancer Trials by City

Browse all esophageal cancer clinical trials in these cities — not just this study.

Looking for Esophageal Cancer Treatment in Boston?

Join others in Massachusetts exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options in Boston, Massachusetts

If you're searching for Esophageal Cancer treatment in Boston, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Boston, Basking Ridge, Middletown and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Esophageal Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Massachusetts
Now Enrolling
Up to 49 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Esophageal Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Esophageal Cancer

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Esophageal Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06123338. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.