FOLFOX-Based Transarterial Infusion Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer and Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma: Protocol of an Open-Label, Multicentre, Single-arm, Phase Ⅱ Trial

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide in terms of both incidence and mortality. The majority of cases are diagnosed at advanced stage-often presenting with severe complications such as malignant stricture, obstruction, bleeding, and cancer-related malnutrition-which impinge on quality of life and survival outcomes. For patients with unresectable or metastatic gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (G/GEJA), first-line systemic therapy remains predominantly platinum- and fluoropyrimidine-based combination chemotherapy, and targeted agents or immunotherapy can be added based on the expression of biomarkers. Under this standard approach, the median overall survival (mOS) for localized unresectable G/GEJA is approximately 14-20 months. For metastatic G/GEJA, the prognosis remains poor with an mOS of less than 1 year, despite the proven efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. Moreover, up to 25% of cancer survivors report a significant decline in quality of life due to gastrointestinal symptoms during, soon after, or many years after treatment.

Interventional oncology approaches-including trans-arterial infusion chemotherapy (TAIC), embolization (TAE), and chemoembolization (TACE)-represent promising locoregional therapeutic strategies. TAIC allows for the direct delivery of cytotoxic agents into the tumor-feeding arteries, thereby maximizing intra-tumoral drug concentration. As one of the most well-recognized applications, hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) has been demonstrated in liver cancer by elevating local drug exposure, markedly enhancing antitumor efficacy while minimizing systemic adverse effects. Moreover, chemotherapeutic agents may exert secondary systemic activity against clinically or subclinically disseminated metastases upon systemic circulation, contributing to a sustained "secondary chemotherapy" effect. Owing to its favorable safety profile and preserved antitumor activity, TAIC is particularly suited for frail or elderly patients who are ineligible for surgery or conventional systemic chemotherapy.

Given the persistent limitations of current therapeutic paradigms, the feasibility and safety of trans-arterial therapy in the treatment of anti-tumor, hemostasis and obstruction relief for locally advanced G/GEJC remains urgent. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of TAIC for locally advanced G/GEJA.