HER2-Positive Gastrointestinal Cancers — Microlearning Activity 3: Proceedings from a Session Held Adjunct to the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “HER2-Positive Gastrointestinal Cancers — Microlearning Activity 3: Proceedings from a Session Held Adjunct to the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium” inside PodZeus.
This episode from the Gastrointestinal Cancer Update podcast features a microlearning session from the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium, focusing on the management of HER2-positive gastrointestinal cancers. Moderated by Dr. Lionel Kankou-Fanqua, the session includes expert insights from Dr. Haley Ellis, Dr. Eric von Kutzum, and Dr. Zev Weinberg on HER2-positive biliary tract, gastroesophageal, and colorectal cancers. The discussion centers on complex clinical cases, addressing treatment sequencing, biomarker interpretation, and the use of targeted therapies like trastuzumab deruxtecan (TDXD) and tucatinib. Key debates include whether to use anti-HER2 therapy upfront in metastatic disease, how to manage cases with discordant IHC and NGS results, and the role of KRAS or BRAF mutations in treatment response. The experts emphasize the importance of molecular profiling, cautious use of EGFR inhibitors in HER2-positive cases, and the potential of early targeted intervention to improve outcomes. The episode highlights evolving clinical strategies, particularly around the use of TDXD in RAS wild-type and mutant settings, the limited data on HER2 mutations in colorectal cancer, and the need for repeat biopsies or liquid biopsy at progression. Experts agree that while anti-HER2 therapy remains central, the presence of co-occurring mutations like KRAS G12C or BRAF may necessitate combination approaches. The session concludes with cautious optimism about the future of HER2-targeted therapy in the adjuvant and conversion settings, though data remain limited. Overall, the discussion underscores the complexity of precision oncology in HER2-positive GI cancers and the importance of multidisciplinary decision-making.
HER2-targeted therapy should be considered early in metastatic HER2-positive GI cancers, even outside current labels, due to high response rates.
Discordant HER2 IHC and NGS results require careful interpretation—persistent amplification on NGS may justify continued anti-HER2 therapy even with IHC loss.
KRAS G12C and BRAF mutations in HER2-positive colorectal cancer are rare but may influence treatment sequencing; KRAS inhibitors are viable options in RAS wild-type patients.
TDXD remains effective in RAS-mutant HER2-positive colorectal cancer, but EGFR inhibitors should be avoided due to resistance mechanisms.
Liquid biopsy is preferred over repeat tissue biopsy for detecting HER2 mutations due to low prevalence (1–2%) and limited data on targeted agents.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction to HER2-Positive GI Cancers Session
Dr. Neal Love introduces the session, providing context on the CME meeting held during the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium in San Francisco. The panel includes leading experts in gastrointestinal oncology discussing HER2-positive cancers across biliary tract, gastroesophageal, and colorectal subtypes.
HER2-Positive Biliary and Gastroesophageal Cancers
Dr. Ellis presents on HER2-positive biliary tract cancers, while Dr. Weinberg discusses gastroesophageal cancers. Key questions focus on the use of zetinatumab with tisilizumab and the role of TDXD in HER2 2+ patients, with consensus favoring anti-HER2 therapy in appropriate cases.
Complex Cases in HER2-Positive Colorectal Cancer
“I would probably veer a little more towards the KRAS because I feel like that's pretty nice, durable data that's been demonstrated both with the dagrosibstuximab and with satorisipanatumab.”
Biomarker Discordance and Treatment Sequencing
“I would be probably a little bit hesitant to use sort of a HER2-targeted regimen in a HER2 low copy number IHC0 situation, but I think the copy number would probably make a difference.”
Future Directions and Adjuvant Therapy
The session concludes with questions on the role of HER2-targeted therapy in the adjuvant and conversion settings. Experts agree data are still limited but promising, with ongoing trials like Mountaineer evaluating early intervention strategies.
“You don't want to use EGFR inhibitors, right? That's the big thing. You know those drugs don't work at all, even in the RAS-Wild type patients with HER2.”
“I would probably veer a little more towards the KRAS because I feel like that's pretty nice, durable data that's been demonstrated both with the dagrosibstuximab and with satorisipanatumab.”
“I would be probably a little bit hesitant to use sort of a HER2-targeted regimen in a HER2 low copy number IHC0 situation, but I think the copy number would probably make a difference.”
Host
Guests
HER2-positive colorectal cancer
other
Dr. Zev Weinberg
person
Dr. Haley Ellis
person
TDXD
product
Dr. Eric von Kutzum
person
Tucatinib
product
KRAS G12C mutation
other
HER2-positive gastroesophageal cancers
other
Dr. Lionel Kankou-Fanqua
person
HER2-positive biliary tract cancers
other
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy for Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancers — Microlearning Activity 2: Proceedings from a Session Held Adjunct to the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium
Gastrointestinal Cancer Update • 22m • 4/3/2026
Desmoid Tumors — Microlearning Activity 2 with Dr Ravin Ratan
Gastrointestinal Cancer Update • 28m • 4/7/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “HER2-Positive Gastrointestinal Cancers — Microlearning Activity 3: Proceedings from a Session Held Adjunct to the 2026 ASCO GI Cancers Symposium” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime