Claudin18.2-targeted cancer theranostics.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Imaging
• Immunotherapy

Background:

• Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) is an emerging therapeutic target for CLDN18.2-expressing solid tumors, including gastric and pancreatic cancers.
• Cell and antibody-based therapies targeting CLDN18.2 are advancing through clinical trials.
• Accurate detection of CLDN18.2 expression is crucial for patient selection and monitoring treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in CLDN18.2-targeted molecular imaging.
• To discuss the application of imaging in conjunction with CLDN18.2-targeted therapies.
• To highlight the potential of molecular imaging for noninvasive assessment of antigen expression.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on CLDN18.2 imaging agents and techniques.
• Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies involving CLDN18.2-targeted therapies.
• Discussion of radiolabeled antibodies and antibody fragments for molecular imaging.

Main Results:

• Molecular imaging with radiolabeled agents shows promise for noninvasive detection of CLDN18.2 expression.
• Imaging can potentially guide patient selection and monitor therapeutic efficacy.
• Several CLDN18.2-targeted imaging approaches are under development.

Conclusions:

• Molecular imaging is a valuable tool for advancing CLDN18.2-targeted cancer therapies.
• Efficient and specific detection of CLDN18.2 expression is key for clinical success.
• Further research is needed to optimize imaging techniques and integrate them into clinical practice.