Gi Cancer Immunotherapy Breakthroughs Signal New Treatment Era

By Connor Hart

Arcus Biosciences and Gilead Sciences are discontinuing a Phase 3 trial of an experimental cancer treatment after an interim review showed the therapy was unlikely to help patients live longer.

Arcus said Friday that the treatment, STAR-221, failed to improve overall survival for patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancers compared with currently available therapies.

An independent data-monitoring committee recommended that the companies stop the study due to futility.

Shares of Arcus fell 11% to $22.48 in premarket trading. Gilead's stock edged down 0.3% to $122.88.

The companies said the drug's safety profile was consistent with existing treatments and no new safety issues emerged.

Arcus and Gilead said they are working with trial investigators on next steps for patients and plan to conduct a fuller analysis of the data.

"We are disappointed with this outcome," said Arcus Chief Medical Officer Richard Markus, adding that the company remains focused on developing new treatments for cancer and immune-related diseases.

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com

By Connor Hart

Arcus Biosciences said it will discontinue a late-stage trial for its potential cancer treatment due to futility.

The study, which was being conducted in partnership with Gilead Sciences, aimed to evaluate STAR-221 as a first-line treatment for advanced gastric and esophageal cancers.

The biopharmaceutical company said Friday that an interim analysis of results showed that STAR-221 didn't improve overall survival relative to existing treatment options. The safety profile for the treatment was similar to that of existing options, and no new safety findings were identified, it added.

The decision to end the trial was based on the recommendation of an independent data monitoring committee. Arcus and Gilead said they are communicating with investigators to determine appropriate next steps for patients in the study, in addition to conducting a detailed analysis to better understand the results.

"We are disappointed with this outcome and sincerely thank all those who participated in the study and made this research possible," said Arcus Chief Medical Officer Richard Markus. "We remain committed to advancing research for people living with cancer and immune-related diseases."

Write to Connor Hart at connor.hart@wsj.com