S16 Ep36: New Trials and Targeted Approaches Advance the Precision of GI Cancer Care: With John Marshall, MD; and Christopher Lieu, MD

In today’s episode, we sat down with John Marshall, MD, and Christopher Lieu, MD, to discuss the clinical relevance of KRAS G12C and pan-RAS inhibitors in the management of pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Dr Marshall is chief of Hematology and Oncology, a professor of medicine and oncology, and director of the Otto J Ruesch Center for the Cure of Gastrointestinal Cancers at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in Washington, DC. Dr Lieu is a professor of medicine, associate director for Clinical Research, and co-director of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz and the University of Colorado Cancer Center in Aurora. 

In our exclusive interview, the experts highlighted historical challenges in targeting RAS mutations, as well as recent breakthroughs. They also emphasized the importance of testing early for biomarkers like Claudin 18.2, PD-L1, HER2, and microsatellite instability in patients with gastroesophageal cancers. Furthermore, the experts discussed the need to use targeted therapies early in treatment to avoid treatment resistance, and noted the potential of novel RAS inhibitors and immunotherapies. Their conversation also touched on the importance of rebiopsy and the challenges of obtaining sufficient tissue for biomarker analysis.