Durvalumab for treating resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma

Published on 05 Oct 2026
Last Updated on 05 Oct 2026

Guidance Recommendations

The Ministry of Health’s Drug Advisory Committee has not recommended durvalumab for inclusion on the MOH List of Subsidised Drugs, when used in combination with fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin and docetaxel (FLOT) chemotherapy as neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment, followed by adjuvant durvalumab monotherapy, for resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma. The Committee considered that the company’s proposal, including the price-volume agreement, was not acceptable. 

Clinical indication, subsidy class and MediShield Life claims eligibility for durvalumab are provided in the Annex. 

Durvalumab for treating resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma (Published 05 Oct 2026) [PDF, 273.93 KB] (opens in new tab)

Plain English Summary

Gastric cancer occurs when cells in the stomach grow uncontrollably and form a mass (tumour). Adenocarcinoma is the most common type. Cancer that develops where the oesophagus joins the stomach is known as gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. Symptoms of gastric or GEJ cancer can include difficulty swallowing, feeling full or bloated after eating, loss of appetite, heartburn, and unexplained weight loss.

The main treatment for gastric or GEJ cancer is often surgery to remove any tumours. Cancer that can be removed by surgery is known as resectable. Patients may receive treatment before surgery (neoadjuvant therapy) to shrink the tumour, or after surgery (adjuvant therapy) to destroy any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

Durvalumab is an immunotherapy known as a PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor. It helps the body’s immune system find and attack cancer cells. It is given as a slow drip into a vein (intravenously), in combination with chemotherapy before and after surgery, followed by durvalumab alone after surgery.

Durvalumab was not recommended for government funding because its benefits do not justify its cost. It is not subsidised and cannot be claimed under MediShield Life.

There are different treatments available for resectable gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. Your doctor can advise whether durvalumab or other treatments may be suitable for you.