Targeting claudin 18.2 in gastric cancer: a review of emerging biologic agents

CLDN18.2-targeted therapy has demonstrated the therapeutic feasibility of targeting non-oncogenic drivers, representing a paradigm shift in gastric cancer treatment. Next-generation modalities such as ADCs, bispecific antibodies, and CAR-T cell therapies have shown efficacy even in patients with lower CLDN18.2 expression, suggesting potential to expand treatment eligibility. Moving forward, deeper understanding of gastrointestinal toxicities associated with CLDN-targeted therapies, elucidation of resistance mechanisms, and development of rational combination strategies will be essential to maximize therapeutic benefit in patients with CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer.