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Sappenfield R, Mehlhaff E, Miller D, Ebben JE, Uboha NV. Current and Future Biomarkers in Esophagogastric Adenocarcinoma. J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:549-558. [PMID: 38280174 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-023-01007-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Biomarker-based therapies have shown improved patient outcomes across various cancer types. The purpose of this review to summarize our knowledge of current and future biomarkers in esophagogastric adenocarcinoma (EGA). METHODS In this publication, we will review current standard biomarkers in patients with upper GI cancers. We will also discuss novel biomarkers that are under investigations and their associated therapies that are currently in clinical trials. RESULTS EGAa are a group of heterogeneous diseases, both anatomically and molecularly. There are several established biomarkers (HER2, PD-L1, microsattelite instability or mismatch repair protein expression) that allow for individualized treatments for patients with these cancers. There are also several emerging biomarkers for EGA, some of which have clinically relevant associated therapies. Claudin 18.2 is the furthest along among these. Anti-claudin antibody, zolbetuximab, improved overall survival in biomarker select patients with advanced GEA in two phase 3 studies. Other novel biomarkers, such as FGFR2b and DKN01, are also in the process of validation, and treatments based on the presence of these biomarkers are currently in clinical studies. CONCLUSION Ongoing efforts to identify novel biomarkers in EGA have led to enhanced subclassification of upper GI cancers. These advances, coupled with the strategic application of targeted therapies and immunotherapy when appropriate, hold promise to further improve patients outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Sappenfield
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Eric Mehlhaff
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Devon Miller
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Johnathan E Ebben
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA
| | - Nataliya V Uboha
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53792, USA.
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Balmaceda NB, Petrillo A, Krishnan M, Zhao JJ, Kim S, Klute KA, Sundar R. State-of-the-Art Advancements in Gastroesophageal Cancer Treatment: Harnessing Biomarkers for Precision Care. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e431060. [PMID: 38771996 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_431060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
Gastroesophageal cancers (GECs) represent a significant clinical challenge. For early resectable GEC, the integration of immune checkpoint inhibitors into the perioperative chemotherapy and chemoradiation treatment paradigms are being explored and showing promising results. Frontline management of metastatic GEC is exploring the role of targeted therapies beyond PD-1 inhibitors, including anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 agents, Claudin 18.2 inhibitors, and FGFR2 inhibitors, which have shown considerable efficacy in recent trials. Looking ahead, ongoing trials and emerging technologies such as bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, and adoptive cell therapies like chimeric antigen receptor T cells are expected to define the future of GEC management. These advancements signify a paradigm shift toward personalized and immunotherapy-based approaches, offering the potential for improved outcomes and reduced toxicity for patients with GEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Baranda Balmaceda
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | | | - Mridula Krishnan
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NB
| | - Joseph J Zhao
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sunnie Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Kelsey A Klute
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NB
| | - Raghav Sundar
- Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
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Mehlhaff E, Miller D, Ebben JD, Dobrzhanskyi O, Uboha NV. Targeted Agents in Esophagogastric Cancer Beyond Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-2. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2024; 38:659-675. [PMID: 38485551 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2024.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Gastroesophageal cancers are highly diverse tumors in terms of their anatomic and molecular characteristics, making drug development challenging. Recent advancements in understanding the molecular profiles of these cancers have led to the identification of several new biomarkers. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating new targeted agents with promising results. CLDN18.2 has emerged as a biomarker with established activity of associated targeted therapies. Other targeted agents, such as bemarituzumab and DKN-01, are under active investigation. As new agents are incorporated into the treatment continuum, the questions of biomarker overlap, tumor heterogeneity, and toxicity management will need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Mehlhaff
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Devon Miller
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Johnathan D Ebben
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA
| | - Oleksii Dobrzhanskyi
- Upper Gastrointestinal Tumors Department, National Cancer Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Nataliya V Uboha
- Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, 600 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53792, USA; University of Wisconsin, Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
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Nakayama I, Qi C, Chen Y, Nakamura Y, Shen L, Shitara K. Claudin 18.2 as a novel therapeutic target. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2024; 21:354-369. [PMID: 38503878 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-024-00874-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Claudin 18.2, a tight-junction molecule predominantly found in the nonmalignant gastric epithelium, becomes accessible on the tumour cell surface during malignant transformation, thereby providing an appealing target for cancer therapy. Data from two phase III trials testing the anti-claudin 18.2 antibody zolbetuximab have established claudin 18.2-positive advanced-stage gastric cancers as an independent therapeutic subset that derives benefit from the addition of this agent to chemotherapy. This development has substantially increased the percentage of patients eligible for targeted therapy. Furthermore, newer treatments, such as high-affinity monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and antibody-drug conjugates capable of bystander killing effects, have shown considerable promise in patients with claudin 18.2-expressing gastric cancers. This new development has resulted from drug developers moving beyond traditional targets, such as driver gene alterations or growth factors. In this Review, we highlight the biological rationale and explore the clinical activity of therapies that target claudin 18.2 in patients with advanced-stage gastric cancer and explore the potential for expansion of claudin 18.2-targeted therapies to patients with other claudin 18.2-positive solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izuma Nakayama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Changsong Qi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Yoshiaki Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- Translational Research Support Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
- International Research Promotion Office, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan
| | - Lin Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China.
| | - Kohei Shitara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan.
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Wang J, Dong T, Gong X, Li D, Sun J, Luo Y, Wu H. Safety and Pharmacokinetic Assessment of the FIC CLDN18.2/4-1BB Bispecific Antibody in Rhesus Monkeys. Int J Toxicol 2024; 43:291-300. [PMID: 38115178 DOI: 10.1177/10915818231221282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide, particularly in China, with over half a million new cases and over 400 thousand deaths in 2022. Zolbetuximab, a first-in-class investigational monoclonal antibody (mAb) targeting tumor-associated antigen CLDN18.2 which is highly expressed on gastric cancer cells, was recently reported to meet the primary endpoint in Phase III trial as first-line treatment in CLDN18.2 positive and HER2-negative gastric cancers. In the present study, we developed a humanized bispecific antibody (bsAb) CLDN18.2/4-1BB named PM1032. PM1032 activates immune cells via CLDN18.2 mediated crosslinking of 4-1BB, a potent stimulator of T/NK cells. It induced strong immunological memory in multiple tumor-bearing animal models, indicating significant potential as an effective treatment for CLDN18.2 positive cancers such as gastric cancer. Since liver and gastrointestinal (GI) related toxicities were reported in 4-1BB and CLDN18.2 targeting programs during the clinical development, respectively, extensive pharmacokinetics (PK) and safety profile characterization of PM1032 was performed in rhesus monkeys. PM1032 had a half-life comparable to a conventional IgG1 mAb, and serum drug concentration increased in a dose-dependent pattern. Furthermore, PM1032 was generally well tolerated, with no significant abnormalities observed in toxicity studies, including the liver and stomach. In summary, PM1032 demonstrated good PK and an exceptional safety profile in rhesus monkeys supporting further investigation in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantian Dong
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Xinjiang Gong
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Deli Li
- TriApex Laboratories Co., Ltd, Nanjing, China
| | - Joanne Sun
- New Drug Technology Department, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
| | - Yi Luo
- New Drug Discovery and Development, Biotheus Inc., Zhuhai, China
- Clinical Pharmacy Innovation Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huazhang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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Ma Z, Zhou Z, Duan W, Yao G, Sheng S, Zong S, Zhang X, Li C, Liu Y, Ou F, Dahar MR, Huang Y, Yu L. DR30318, a novel tri-specific T cell engager for Claudin 18.2 positive cancers immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:82. [PMID: 38554200 PMCID: PMC10981630 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a highly anticipated target for solid tumor therapy, especially in advanced gastric carcinoma and pancreatic carcinoma. The T cell engager targeting CLDN18.2 represents a compelling strategy for enhancing anti-cancer efficacy. METHODS Based on the in-house screened anti-CLDN18.2 VHH, we have developed a novel tri-specific T cell engager targeting CLDN18.2 for gastric and pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. This tri-specific antibody was designed with binding to CLDN18.2, human serum albumin (HSA) and CD3 on T cells. RESULTS The DR30318 demonstrated binding affinity to CLDN18.2, HSA and CD3, and exhibited T cell-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (TDCC) activity in vitro. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed a half-life of 22.2-28.6 h in rodents and 41.8 h in cynomolgus monkeys, respectively. The administration of DR30318 resulted in a slight increase in the levels of IL-6 and C-reactive protein (CRP) in cynomolgus monkeys. Furthermore, after incubation with human PBMCs and CLDN18.2 expressing cells, DR30318 induced TDCC activity and the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ). Notably, DR30318 demonstrated significant tumor suppression effects on gastric cancer xenograft models NUGC4/hCLDN18.2 and pancreatic cancer xenograft model BxPC3/hCLDN18.2 without affecting the body weight of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhenxing Zhou
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Wenwen Duan
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Gaofeng Yao
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shimei Sheng
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Sidou Zong
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Changkui Li
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuanyuan Liu
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Fengting Ou
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321036, China
| | - Maha Raja Dahar
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yanshan Huang
- Department of Innovative Drug Discovery and Development, Zhejiang Doer Biologics Co., Ltd., Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Lushan Yu
- Institute of Drug Metabolism and Pharmaceutical Analysis, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang Province, China.
- National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery and Release Systems, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
- Jinhua Institute of Zhejiang University, Jinhua, 321036, China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Shaoxing People's Hospital (Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine), Shaoxing, 312000, China.
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Xu Q, Jia C, Ou Y, Zeng C, Jia Y. Dark horse target Claudin18.2 opens new battlefield for pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1371421. [PMID: 38511141 PMCID: PMC10951399 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1371421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest malignant tumors, which is a serious threat to human health and life, and it is expected that pancreatic cancer may be the second leading cause of cancer death in developed countries by 2030. Claudin18.2 is a tight junction protein expressed in normal gastric mucosal tissues, which is involved in the formation of tight junctions between cells and affects the permeability of paracellular cells. Claudin18.2 is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer and is associated with the initiation, progression, metastasis and prognosis of cancer, so it is considered a potential therapeutic target. Up to now, a number of clinical trials for Claudin18.2 are underway, including solid tumors such as pancreatic cancers and gastric cancers, and the results of these trials have not yet been officially announced. This manuscript briefly describes the Claudia protein, the dual roles of Cluadin18 in cancers, and summarizes the ongoing clinical trials targeting Claudin18.2 with a view to integrating the research progress of Claudin18.2 targeted therapy. In addition, this manuscript introduces the clinical research progress of Claudin18.2 positive pancreatic cancer, including monoclonal antibodies, bispecific antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, CAR-T cell therapy, and hope to provide feasible ideas for the clinical treatment of Claudin18.2 positive pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Xu
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Caiyan Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Ou
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanxiu Zeng
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yingjie Jia
- Department of Oncology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Department of Oncology, National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Balmaceda NB, Kim SS. Immunotherapy in Esophagogastric Cancer: Treatment Landscape, Challenges, and New Directions. J Gastrointest Cancer 2024; 55:153-167. [PMID: 38127239 DOI: 10.1007/s12029-023-01000-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancers of the upper gastrointestinal tract represent a lethal disease entity comprising the esophagus, gastroesophageal junction, and stomach. The backbone of therapy in esophagogastric cancers has predominantly been chemotherapy-based. However, over the last decade, with the debut of immune checkpoint inhibitors, sophisticated molecular testing, and a more comprehensive understanding of the tumor microenvironment, immunotherapy has been incorporated into the treatment of localized and advanced esophagogastric cancers with promising results. PURPOSE This study aimed to review the unique tumor microenvironment and role of immunotherapy in esophagogastric cancers. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of clinical and translational research for immunotherapy in esophagogastric cancers. RESULTS This article will explore the unique tumor microenvironment in gastroesophageal cancers, the role of immunotherapy in localized and advanced disease, challenges in management, and new therapeutic approaches in clinical trials. CONCLUSION With further exploration into targeted therapy and immunotherapy, we anticipate the emergence of novel treatments that will improve survival and quality of life in patients with esophagogastric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Baranda Balmaceda
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sunnie S Kim
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.
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Inamoto R, Takahashi N, Yamada Y. Claudin18.2 in Advanced Gastric Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5742. [PMID: 38136288 PMCID: PMC10741608 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the fifth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality is gastric cancer (GC). Recent clinical trials on solid tumors enrolled patients who possess druggable genetic alterations, protein expression, and immune characteristics. In gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers, trastuzumab combined with first-line chemotherapy in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive patients and ramucirumab combined with second-line paclitaxel remarkably prolonged overall survival (OS) compared with chemotherapy alone, according to phase 3 trial results. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy was approved as third- or later-line treatment. Chemotherapy plus ICIs as first-line treatment exhibited improved survival compared with chemotherapy alone in HER2-negative patients according to Checkmate 649 trial results. Conversely, systemic chemotherapy prognosis remains poor. although some patients may achieve durable response to treatment and prolonged survival in advanced GC. Recently, a first-in-class, chimeric immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody (zolbetuximab) that targets and binds to claudin 18 isoform 2 (CLDN18.2) has emerged as a new target therapy in GC treatment. Global phase Ⅲ trials revealed that the addition of zolbetuximab to first-line chemotherapy prolonged OS in CLDN18.2-positive and HER2-negative GC patients. This review summarizes recent clinical trials of CLDN18.2-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rin Inamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Cancer Center, 780 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
| | - Naoki Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Saitama Cancer Center, 780 Komuro, Ina-machi, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama 362-0806, Japan;
| | - Yasuhide Yamada
- Department of Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, 1-21-1 Toyama Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8655, Japan;
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Wang B, Liu Y, Yuan R, Dou X, Qian N, Pan X, Xu G, Xu Q, Dong B, Yang C, Li H, Wang J, Bai G, Liu L, Gao X. XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L fusion protein activates dendritic cells, improves expansion of antigen-specific T cells, and exhibits antitumour efficacy in multiple solid tumour models. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4015-4030. [PMID: 37863852 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03535-y] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Additional immunotherapies are still warranted for non-responders to checkpoint inhibitors with refractory or relapsing cancers, especially for patients with "cold" tumours lacking significant immune infiltration at treatment onset. We developed XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L, a bispecific antibody targeting 4-1BB and CD40 for dendritic cell activation and priming of tumour-reactive T cells to inhibit tumours. METHODS XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L was developed by engineering an anti-4-1BB Fab arm into a CD40L trimer based on XFab® platform. Characterisation of the bispecific antibody was performed by cell-based reporter assays, maturation of dendritic cell assays, and mixed lymphocyte reactions. The abilities of antigen-specific T-cell expansion and antitumour efficacy were assessed in syngeneic mouse tumour models. Toxicological and pharmacodynamic profiles were investigated in non-human primates. RESULTS XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L demonstrated independent CD40 agonistic activity and conditional 4-1BB activity mediated by CD40 crosslinking, leading to dendritic cell maturation and T-cell proliferation in vitro. We confirmed the expansion of antigen-specific T cells in the vaccination model and potent tumour regression induced by the bispecific antibody alone or in combination with gemcitabine in vivo, concomitant with improved tumour-reactive T-cell infiltration. XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L showed no signs of liver toxicity at doses up to 51 mg/kg in a repeated-dose regimen in non-human primates. CONCLUSIONS XFab-α4-1BB/CD40L is capable of enhancing antitumour immunity by modulating dendritic cell and T-cell functions via targeting 4-1BB agonism to areas of CD40 expression. The focused, potent, and safe immune response induced by the bispecific antibody supports further clinical investigations for the treatment of solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bochun Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Yujie Liu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruofei Yuan
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqian Dou
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Niliang Qian
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiujie Pan
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Guili Xu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinzhi Xu
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Dong
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Cuima Yang
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjie Li
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Guijun Bai
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China
| | - Liangfa Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xin Gao
- Beijing Immunoah Pharma Tech Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100141, People's Republic of China.
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