Zolbetuximab is an investigational first-in-class monoclonal antibody targeting Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), for the first-line treatment of patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma.
The SPOTLIGHT trial enrolled 566 patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma. The study met its primary endpoint showing statistical significance in progression-free survival (PFS) for patients treated with zolbetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 compared to placebo plus mFOLFOX6. In addition, the study met a secondary endpoint, overall survival (OS), showing statistical significance for patients treated with zolbetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 compared to placebo plus mFOLFOX6. The most frequent treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in patients treated with zolbetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 were nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite. Detailed results will be presented at a future scientific congress and submitted for publication.
I am excited by the potential for a new treatment option to help patients with advanced-stage gastric cancer or GEJ cancer,' said
We're delighted and excited about the positive topline results from the SPOTLIGHT trial of zolbetuximab in combination with mFOLFOX6, and we have increased confidence in advancing development of zolbetuximab for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic gastric cancer,' said Ahsan Arozullah, M.D., M.P.H., Senior Vice President and Head of Development Therapeutic Areas, Astellas. 'These topline results further support the role of CLDN18.2 as an emerging biomarker in gastric and GEJ cancer. We look forward to presenting the full results at a scientific congress in the near future.'
Zolbetuximab acts by binding to CLDN18.2 on the cancer cell surface of gastric epithelial cells. In pre-clinical studies, this binding interaction then induces cancer cell death by activating two distinct immune system pathways - antibody-dependent cellular toxicity and complement-dependent cytotoxicity.1 CLDN18.2 is a type of transmembrane protein found in normal gastric cells and is a major component of epithelial and endothelial tight junctions controlling the flow of molecules between cells.2 Pre-clinical studies have shown that CLDN18.2, which can also be present in gastric tumors, may become more exposed and accessible to targeted therapies with antibodies as gastric tumors develop.3,4,5 Based on this study, approximately 38% of screened patients have CLDN18.2-positive tumors, defined as CLDN18.2 expression in 75% of tumor cells with strong-to-moderate staining intensity based on a validated immunohistochemistry assay.6
The Phase 3 SPOTLIGHT trial is a global, multi-center, double-blind, randomized study assessing the efficacy and safety of zolbetuximab plus mFOLFOX6 compared to placebo plus mFOLFOX6. Specifically, this study and the Phase 3 GLOW trial, which is evaluating the efficacy and safety of zolbetuximab plus capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CAPOX) compared to placebo plus CAPOX, are being conducted to provide foundational data for regulatory submissions in the
Gastric cancer is often diagnosed in the advanced or metastatic stage, or once it has spread from the tumor's origin to other body tissues or organs.7 The five-year relative survival rate for patients at the metastatic stage is approximately six percent.8
About Zolbetuximab
Zolbetuximab is an investigational, first-in-class chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) that targets and binds to CLDN18.2, a transmembrane protein. Zolbetuximab acts by binding to CLDN18.2 on the cancer cell surface of gastric epithelial cells. In pre-clinical studies, this binding interaction then induces cancer cell death by activating two distinct immune system pathways - antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (
About SPOTLIGHT Phase 3 Clinical Trial
SPOTLIGHT is a Phase 3, global, multi-center, double-blind, randomized study, assessing the efficacy and safety of zolbetuximab (IMAB362) plus mFOLFOX6 (combination regimen of oxaliplatin, leucovorin and fluorouracil) compared to placebo plus mFOLFOX6 as a first-line treatment of patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2- negative, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer. The study enrolled 566 patients at 220 study locations in the
About Locally Advanced Unresectable Metastatic Gastric and Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
Gastric cancer, also commonly known as stomach cancer, is the fifth most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide.9 Signs and symptoms can include indigestion or heartburn; pain or discomfort in the abdomen; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea or constipation; bloating of the stomach after meals and loss of appetite and sensation of food getting stuck in the throat while eating.10 Signs of more advanced gastric cancer can include unexplained weight loss; weakness and fatigue and vomiting blood or having blood in the stool.7 Risk factors associated with gastric cancer can include older age, male gender, family history, H. pylori infection, smoking and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).7,11 Because early-stage gastric cancer symptoms frequently overlap with more common stomach-related conditions, gastric cancer is often diagnosed in the advanced or metastatic stage, or once it has spread from the tumor's origin to other body tissues or organs.7 The five-year relative survival rate for patients at the metastatic stage is approximately six percent.8 Gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma is a cancer that starts at the area where the esophagus joins the stomach.12
About Astellas
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