Immunotherapy for gastric cancer

Just sharing this info which I received from an NHS oncologist... I was advised to request a Micro Satellite Instability (MSI) test. It indicates whether immunotherapy would be a good option for me or not. A low result means “no” and a high result means “yes” immunotherapy would be good.


Apparently immunotherapy is licensed as a third line treatment and there is a patient access scheme for upper GI patients. Immunotherapy is free for nhs patients (subsidised by the pharmaceutical co.s) while NICE decides whether or not to support immunotherapy.

Previous biopsies of the peritoneum nodules or stomach biopsies can be used for thetest.

  • Hi Karen, 

    I just wanted to thank you for sharing this information with us; I have no doubt it will be invaluable to other members in the same position as yourself.

    Wishing you all the best on your cancer journey.

    Kind regards, 

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • “PD-L1 testing is also a good idea - but it should be a combined positive score where they take samples from both the tumour and surrounding tissue. A combined positive score of 10%+ may indicate an increased chance of a response to nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

    the above useful info was posted on the Macmillan cancer oesophageal cancer group.