predictor of response to immune checkpoint blockade across tumour types [6, 7]. A subset of patients with gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma, who are microsatellite stable, but have high TMB, have been identified using whole exome sequencing [8]. This high mutation load population, which would fall into the large predominantly immunologically 'cold' TCGA chromosomally unstable (CIN) subgroup, also had high levels of infiltrating lymphocytes which is suggestive of an active immune response [8, 9]. These results imply that TMB could also be associated with sensitivity to immune checkpoint blockade in GC: therefore, this hypothesis warrants prospective evaluation.In summary, the negative results of JAVELIN 300 are disappointing for patients with advanced GC. To optimise the benefits of single-agent immunotherapy, work on predictive biomarkers is necessary to identify the minority of GC patients who are likely to experience prolonged disease control before treatment. For most GC patients, who have immunologically evasive tumours, development of combination therapies to overcome resistance to immune checkpoint blockade is likely to be the most successful way forward.