1
|
Wang S, Qi C, Ding J, Li D, Zhang M, Ji C, Jiang F, Teng F, Yu J, Qian X, Wang F, Shen L, Gao J, Yang Z, Zhang C, Zhu H. First-in-human CLDN18.2 functional diagnostic pet imaging of digestive system neoplasms enables whole-body target mapping and lesion detection. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2023; 50:2802-2817. [PMID: 37099132 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-023-06234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a reliable target for lesion detection and could have clinical implications for epithelial tumors, especially digestive system neoplasms. However, there is no predictive technology for accurate whole-body mapping of CLDN18.2 expression in patients. This study assessed the safety of the 124I-18B10(10L) tracer and the feasibility of mapping whole-body CLDN18.2 expression using PET functional imaging. METHODS The 124I-18B10(10L) probe was synthesized manually, and preclinical experiments including binding affinity and specific targeting ability were conducted after testing in vitro model cells. Patients with pathologically confirmed digestive system neoplasms were enrolled in an ongoing, open-label, single-arm, first-in-human (FiH) phase 0 trial (NCT04883970). 124I-18B10(10L) PET/CT or PET/MR and 18F-FDG PET were performed within one week. RESULTS 124I-18B10(10L) was successfully constructed with an over 95% radiochemical yield. The results of preclinical experiments showed that it had high stability in saline and high affinity in CLDN18.2 overexpressing cells (Kd = 4.11 nM). Seventeen patients, including 12 with gastric cancers, 4 with pancreatic cancers, and 1 with cholangiocarcinoma were enrolled. 124I-18B10(10L) displayed high uptake in the spleen and liver, and slight uptake in the bone marrow, lung, stomach and pancreas. The tracer uptake SUVmax in tumor lesions ranged from 0.4 to 19.5. Compared with that in lesions that had been treated with CLDN18.2-targeted therapy, 124I-18B10(10L) uptake was significantly higher in lesions that had not. Regional 124I-18B10(10L) PET/MR in two patients showed high tracer uptake in metastatic lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS 124I-18B10(10L) was successfully prepared and exhibited a high binding affinity and CLDN18.2 specificity in preclinical studies. As an FiH CLDN18.2 PET tracer, 124I-18B10(10L) was shown to be safe with acceptable dosimetry and to clearly reveal most lesions overexpressing CLDN18.2. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04883970; URL: https://register. CLINICALTRIALS gov/ . Registered 07 May 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shujing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Changsong Qi
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jin Ding
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Dan Li
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Congcong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Fangli Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Fei Teng
- Suzhou Transcenta Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Suzhou Transcenta Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueming Qian
- Suzhou Transcenta Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Suzhou, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lin Shen
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Oncology, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer Translational Research, Cancer Institute, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen-Peking University-Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Zhi Yang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| | - Hua Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research, (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals (National Medical Products Administration), Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, 100142, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lordick F, Thuss-Patience P, Bitzer M, Maurus D, Sahin U, Türeci Ö. Immunological effects and activity of multiple doses of zolbetuximab in combination with zoledronic acid and interleukin-2 in a phase 1 study in patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-022-04459-3. [PMID: 36607429 PMCID: PMC10356865 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04459-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Zolbetuximab (IMAB362) is engineered to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity. We evaluated ADCC activity and the impact of the immune-modulating drugs zoledronic acid (ZA) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) as co-treatment with zolbetuximab on relevant immune cell populations and ADCC lysis activity. METHODS This phase 1, multicenter, open-label study investigated the immunological effects and activity, safety, tolerability, and antitumor activity of multiple doses of zolbetuximab alone (n = 5) or in combination with ZA (n = 7) or with ZA plus two different dose levels of IL-2 (low dose: 1 million international units [mIU] [n = 9]; intermediate dose: 3 mIU [n = 7]) in pretreated patients with advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients with previously treated advanced G/GEJ adenocarcinoma that was CLDN18.2-expressing were enrolled into four treatment arms. Treatment with zolbetuximab + ZA + IL-2 induced short-lived expansion and activation of ADCC-mediating cell populations, namely γ9δ2 T cells and natural killer cells, within 2 days after administration; this effect was more pronounced with intermediate-dose IL-2. Expansion and activation of regulatory T cells treated with either IL2 dose was moderate and short-lived. Strong ADCC activity was observed with zolbetuximab alone. Short-lived ADCC activity was observed in several patients treated with ZA + intermediate-dose IL-2, but not lower-dose IL-2. In the clinical efficacy population, the best confirmed response was stable disease (n = 11/19; 58%). CONCLUSIONS Zolbetuximab mediates proficient ADCC in patients with pretreated advanced G/GEJ cancers. Co-treatment with ZA + IL-2 did not further improve this effect. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01671774.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lordick
- Department of Oncology, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Pulmonology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Central Germany (CCCG), University of Leipzig Medical Center, Liebigstraße 22, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Peter Thuss-Patience
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Bitzer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Otfried-Müller-Straße 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Daniel Maurus
- Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH (Formerly Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG), Mainz, Germany.,Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Ci3-Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ugur Sahin
- Translational Oncology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Freiligrathstraße 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany
| | - Özlem Türeci
- Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH (Formerly Ganymed Pharmaceuticals AG), Mainz, Germany.,Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, An der Goldgrube 12, 55131, Mainz, Germany.,Ci3-Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kyuno D, Takasawa A, Takasawa K, Ono Y, Aoyama T, Magara K, Nakamori Y, Takemasa I, Osanai M. Claudin-18.2 as a therapeutic target in cancers: cumulative findings from basic research and clinical trials. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1967080. [PMID: 34486479 PMCID: PMC8794250 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1967080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Claudins are major components of tight junctions that maintain cell polarity and intercellular adhesion. The dynamics of claudins in cancer cells have attracted attention as a therapeutic target. During carcinogenesis, claudin expression is generally downregulated; however, overexpression of claudin-18.2 has been observed in several types of cancers. Upregulated and mislocalized claudin-18.2 expression in cancer cells has been suggested as a therapeutic target. Research on claudin-18.2 has revealed its involvement in carcinogenesis. Clinical trials using zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting claudin-18.2, for patients with advanced cancer yielded positive results with few high-grade adverse events; thus, it is expected to be a novel and effective therapeutic. Here, we review current insights into the role that claudin-18.2 plays in basic cancer research and clinical applications. A better understanding of these roles will facilitate the development of new treatment strategies for cancer patients with poor prognoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Kyuno
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akira Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kumi Takasawa
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ono
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Aoyama
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Magara
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yuna Nakamori
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Ichiro Takemasa
- Department of Surgery, Surgical Oncology and Science, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Makoto Osanai
- Department of Pathology, Sapporo Medical University, Sapporo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sahin U, Türeci Ö, Manikhas G, Lordick F, Rusyn A, Vynnychenko I, Dudov A, Bazin I, Bondarenko I, Melichar B, Dhaene K, Wiechen K, Huber C, Maurus D, Arozullah A, Park JW, Schuler M, Al-Batran SE. FAST: a randomised phase II study of zolbetuximab (IMAB362) plus EOX versus EOX alone for first-line treatment of advanced CLDN18.2-positive gastric and gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Ann Oncol 2021; 32:609-619. [PMID: 33610734 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is contained within normal gastric mucosa epithelial tight junctions; upon malignant transformation, CLDN18.2 epitopes become exposed. Zolbetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody, mediates specific killing of CLDN18.2-positive cells through immune effector mechanisms. PATIENTS AND METHODS The FAST study enrolled advanced gastric/gastro-oesophageal junction and oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients (aged ≥18 years) with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥40% tumour cells. Patients received first-line epirubicin + oxaliplatin + capecitabine (EOX, arm 1, n = 84) every 3 weeks (Q3W), or zolbetuximab + EOX (loading dose, 800 mg/m2 then 600 mg/m2 Q3W) (arm 2, n = 77). Arm 3 (exploratory) was added after enrolment initiation (zolbetuximab + EOX 1000 mg/m2 Q3W, n = 85). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was a secondary endpoint. RESULTS In the overall population, both PFS [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.29-0.67; P < 0.0005] and OS (HR = 0.55; 95% CI, 0.39-0.77; P < 0.0005) were significantly improved with zolbetuximab + EOX (arm 2) compared with EOX alone (arm 1). This significant PFS benefit was retained in patients with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥70% of tumour cells (HR = 0.38; 95% CI, 0.23-0.62; P < 0.0005). Significant improvement in PFS was also reported in the overall population of arm 3 versus arm 1 (HR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39-0.85; P = 0.0114) but not in high CLDN18.2-expressing patients; no significant improvement in OS was observed in either population. Most adverse events (AEs) related to zolbetuximab + EOX (nausea, vomiting, neutropenia, anaemia) were grade 1-2. Grade ≥3 AEs showed no substantial increases overall (zolbetuximab + EOX versus EOX alone). CONCLUSIONS In advanced gastric/gastro-oesophageal junction and oesophageal adenocarcinoma patients expressing CLDN18.2, adding zolbetuximab to first-line EOX provided longer PFS and OS versus EOX alone. Zolbetuximab + EOX was generally tolerated and AEs were manageable. Zolbetuximab 800/600 mg/m2 is being evaluated in phase III studies based on clinical benefit observed in the overall population and in patients with moderate-to-strong CLDN18.2 expression in ≥70% of tumour cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Sahin
- Department of Experimental and Translational Oncology, TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Department of Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany
| | - Ö Türeci
- Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany; CI3 - Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany; formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH
| | - G Manikhas
- Department of Oncology, City Clinical Oncology Center, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - F Lordick
- Department of Medicine II and University Cancer Center Leipzig, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - A Rusyn
- Department of Oncology, Transcarpathian Regional Clinical Oncological Center, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - I Vynnychenko
- Sumy State University, Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Center, Oncothoracic Department, Sumy, Ukraine
| | - A Dudov
- Department of Oncology, Acibadem City Clinic Mladost, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - I Bazin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Chemotherapy, Russian Oncology Research Center n. a. N.N. Blokhin, Moscow, Russia
| | - I Bondarenko
- Dnipropetrovsk Medical Academy, City Multispecialty Clinical Hospital #4, Department of Chemotherapy, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine
| | - B Melichar
- Department of Oncology, Palacky University Medical School and Teaching Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - K Dhaene
- MD Dhaene Pathology Lab BVBA, Destelbergen, Belgium
| | - K Wiechen
- Department of Pathology, Klinikum Worms GmbH, Institute for Pathology, Worms, Germany
| | - C Huber
- Department of Experimental and Translational Oncology, TRON - Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany; Biopharmaceutical New Technologies (BioNTech) Corporation, Mainz, Germany; CI3 - Cluster of Individualized Immune Intervention, Mainz, Germany; formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH
| | - D Maurus
- Formerly of Ganymed Pharmaceuticals GmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - A Arozullah
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, USA
| | - J W Park
- Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc., Northbrook, USA
| | - M Schuler
- West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - S-E Al-Batran
- Institute of Clinical Cancer Research (IKF) at Krankenhaus Nordwest, Frankfurt, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|