vactosertib + paclitaxel

Vactosertib + paclitaxel is an investigational **oral combination therapy** for advanced cancer, specifically as a **second-line treatment for metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma**. **Vactosertib** is a highly selective and potent **inhibitor of transforming growth factor-beta type I receptor kinase (TGFβRI, also known as ALK5)**, which blocks TGF-β–mediated signaling to suppress processes such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and cancer stem cell features. **Paclitaxel** is a microtubule-stabilizing chemotherapeutic that inhibits cell division. The combination aims to leverage vactosertib's anti-tumor and immune-modulating properties with paclitaxel's cytotoxic effects. Preclinical and early clinical studies (phase 1/2) indicate that this regimen is **well-tolerated, with most adverse events being grade 1–2 and manageable**; anti-tumor activity is under on-going evaluation.