Targeting Claudin18.2 for cancer theranostics: From molecular imaging to precision therapy
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Yongshun Liu1, Wenpeng Huang2, Jessica C Hsu3
1Department of Medical Imaging, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
Abstract:
Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2), a specific tight junction protein isoform, is minimally expressed in normal gastric mucosa but aberrantly overexpressed in various cancers. It plays a key role in regulating tumor cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration, making it an attractive therapeutic target, especially in gastric cancer. Moreover, molecular imaging techniques such as immuno-positron emission tomography, immuno-single photon emission computed tomography, and near-infrared fluorescence imaging enable non-invasive evaluation of CLDN18.2 expression, improving diagnosis and guiding personalized treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in CLDN18.2-targeted therapies and molecular imaging for cancer management. We outline the biomarker's biological functions and signaling pathways across cancers, highlighting the development of precision therapeutics. We also discuss applications and limitations of CLDN18.2-targeted theranostics in digestive malignancies and address clinical translation challenges and future directions.
Insights
Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a protein overexpressed in cancers, making it a target for new therapies and imaging. This review covers CLDN18.2-targeted treatments and diagnostics for improved cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Claudin18.2 (CLDN18.2) is a tight junction protein aberrantly overexpressed in various cancers, particularly gastric cancer.
- CLDN18.2 plays a critical role in tumor cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration, positioning it as a key therapeutic target.
- Aberrant CLDN18.2 expression is observed in multiple malignancies, indicating its potential as a broad cancer biomarker.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in CLDN18.2-targeted therapies for cancer management.
- To summarize the application of molecular imaging techniques for evaluating CLDN18.2 expression.
- To discuss the potential of CLDN18.2-targeted theranostics in digestive malignancies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of CLDN18.2-targeted therapies and molecular imaging.
- Analysis of CLDN18.2's biological functions and signaling pathways in cancer.
- Evaluation of theranostic applications and clinical translation challenges.
Main Results:
- CLDN18.2 is a promising target for precision therapeutics in various cancers.
- Molecular imaging techniques like immuno-PET and iSPECT enable non-invasive CLDN18.2 assessment.
- CLDN18.2-targeted theranostics show potential in digestive cancers, with ongoing development.
Conclusions:
- CLDN18.2-targeted strategies offer new avenues for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
- Further research and clinical translation are needed to overcome challenges in CLDN18.2 theranostics.
- Personalized medicine approaches leveraging CLDN18.2 are advancing cancer care.
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