Can zotuximab/veluoximab be used as the last life-saving drug?

Zolbetuximab (zolbetuximab)-Vyloy is an innovative monoclonal antibody drug targeting the CLDN18.2 molecule, specifically used for the treatment of gastric cancer and gastroesophageal junction cancer. CLDN18.2 is a tight junction protein highly expressed on the surface of gastric cancer cells, but its expression is restricted in normal tissues, which provides a precise target for targeted therapy. Zotuximab binds to CLDN18.2, activates immune effector cells such as NK cells and T cells, triggers anti-tumor effects, achieves selective killing of cancer cells, and thereby reduces damage to normal tissues.

Many patients and their families are concerned about whether zotuximab can be used as the "last life-saving drug." From a clinical strategy perspective, zotuximab does provide new treatment opportunities for some patients with advanced or recurrent gastric cancer. Especially when chemotherapy or targeted drugs have limited effect and the disease progresses, zotuximab can become a key back-line option. However, it is not suitable for all patients, and its effectiveness mainly depends on the tumor CLDN18.2 expression level, as well as the patient's overall physical condition and previous treatment history. Therefore, whether it can be used as a last-resort life-saving drug requires doctors to conduct molecular testing and comprehensive evaluation.

During the use of zotuximab, patients may experience immune-related side effects, such as mild to moderate rash, fatigue, fever, or infusion reactions. Most side effects are controllable and reversible, but close follow-up and individualized management are still required. Doctors often adjust the dose or combine it with other treatments based on patient tolerance to maximize effectiveness. For patients with severe disease and ineffective traditional treatments, the emergence of zotuximab provides an important option to delay disease progression and improve quality of life.

Overall, zotuximab can play a key role in some CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric cancer patients. Although it cannot guarantee absolute life-saving, as a precise targeted therapy, it is of great value when traditional chemotherapy is ineffective.

Reference materials:https://www.astellas.com/en/news/29401