This exploratory analysis evaluated the biomarkers and molecular subtypes associated with overall survival in patients with advanced gastric cancer or gastro-oesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who were treated with first-line tislelizumab plus chemotherapy (TIS + CT) versus placebo plus chemotherapy (PBO + CT) in the global, randomized phase 3 RATIONALE-305 trial.
Gene expression signatures were assessed using RNA sequencing of baseline tumor tissue, with subgroups defined by median cutoff values. Whole exome sequencing of baseline tumor tissue and matched blood samples was used to evaluate tumor mutational burden, human leukocyte antigen genotypes, significantly mutated genes, and cytoband amplifications. Associations between biomarker status and overall survival were evaluated descriptively.
High levels of inflammation and low levels of immunosuppression gene expression signatures were associated with improved overall survival in patients treated with TIS + CT versus PBO + CT. High clonal tumor mutational burden was associated with improved overall survival, while total tumor mutational burden showed no clear association. Non–human leukocyte antigen B27 genotype, TP53 wildtype status, or absence of 20q13.13 amplification were also associated with improved overall survival in the TIS + CT group.