Gastric Cancer Treatment 2026: CLDN18.2 Targeted Therapy and the World First Solid Tumor CAR-T Satri-cel at Jiahui International Cancer Center
- Troy Chen
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
Gastric cancer treatment is undergoing a structural transformation. The era of chemotherapy-only is ending. With the rise of molecular biomarker testing, two new therapies are now offering real hope to patients with CLDN18.2-positive tumors: Zolbetuximab and Satri-cel (CT041).
What Is CLDN18.2 and Why Does It Matter?
CLDN18.2 (Claudin 18.2) is a tight junction protein highly expressed in gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, and some lung cancers. Two breakthrough therapies target CLDN18.2.
Zolbetuximab: First-Line CLDN18.2-Targeted Antibody
Who Is Eligible
Approved for first-line treatment of CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma.
Clinical Efficacy
Pivotal data show median overall survival (mOS) of 18.2 months, with the PPS population approaching 2 years. In the Chinese subgroup, disease progression or death risk was reduced by 52%.
Pricing Update
Zolbetuximab price reduced by nearly 30%. Jiahui International Cancer Center has synchronized this pricing — current cost: RMB 2,790 per 100mg vial.
Satri-cel (CT041): The World First Solid Tumor CAR-T Cell Therapy
A Historic Milestone
In June 2025, China NMPA accepted the New Drug Application for Satri-cel (CT041), the first CAR-T therapy targeting CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors. Approval is expected imminently.
Who Is Eligible
Patients with CLDN18.2-positive expression (>=40% of tumor cells with membrane staining intensity >=2+), HER2-negative, advanced gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma that has failed at least two prior lines of therapy.
Clinical Efficacy
CT041-ST-01 trial showed significant PFS improvement and clinically meaningful OS benefit versus standard of care, with manageable safety. Included as a supplementary recommendation in the 2026 CSCO Gastric Cancer Guidelines.
Access at Jiahui
Jiahui International Cancer Center has completed its Satri-cel administration protocol training. Once approved, Jiahui will be among the first medical institutions in China authorized to administer this treatment.
Zolbetuximab vs. Satri-cel: How Should Patients Decide?
Both therapies target CLDN18.2, but they serve different stages of the disease journey.
1. Biomarker Testing Comes First
Before either therapy, patients must undergo CLDN18.2 immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing. Zolbetuximab requires >=75% positivity, while Satri-cel requires >=40%.
2. Comprehensive Specialist Evaluation
After receiving test results, patients should consult with a specialized oncology center for a personalized treatment plan.
3. Multidisciplinary Medication Management
Both therapies require close monitoring. Clinical pharmacists and nursing teams manage side effects and dose adjustments.
4. Choose an Experienced, Trained Institution
Select a center with formal drug administration training and experience managing CAR-T-related adverse events.
About Jiahui International Cancer Center
Jiahui International Cancer Center, part of Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, is led by internationally recognized experts and provides rapid, evidence-based, comprehensive cancer care for patients aged 14 and above.
Jiahui has a high-caliber international CAR-T treatment team and has partnered with IASO Biotherapeutics and Fosun Kite. Numerous international patients have chosen Jiahui for CAR-T therapy.
Medical Leadership: Dr. Xuan Linli, MD
Dr. Xuan Linli is the Director of Medical Oncology at Jiahui International Cancer Center. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies.
Dr. Xuan's clinical expertise includes solid tumor diagnosis and treatment, hematologic malignancies, non-malignant hematologic diseases, cancer genetics, and palliative care.
Key Takeaways
CLDN18.2 has emerged as one of the most important therapeutic targets in gastric cancer. Zolbetuximab and Satri-cel are reshaping treatment for CLDN18.2-positive patients.
At Jiahui International Cancer Center in Shanghai, both therapies are available or will be available upon regulatory approval, with synchronized pricing and trained clinical teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CLDN18.2 in gastric cancer?
CLDN18.2 (Claudin 18.2) is a tight junction protein highly expressed in gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, and some lung cancers.
How does Zolbetuximab work?
Zolbetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to CLDN18.2 on tumor cells, triggering immune-mediated destruction.
What is Satri-cel (CT041)?
Satri-cel (CT041) is the world first CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors, engineering a patient own T cells to recognize CLDN18.2-expressing tumor cells.
How much does Zolbetuximab cost in China?
At Jiahui International Cancer Center: RMB 2,790 per 100mg vial. Total cost depends on weight, duration, and combination regimen.
Can international patients access these therapies at Jiahui?
Yes. Jiahui International Cancer Center has an International Patient Services team supporting foreign patients with appointments, interpretation, and coordination.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available clinical trial data and does not constitute medical advice.
References: Lancet 2025 DOI 10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00860-8; Shitara K et al. 2024 ASCO Abstract 4036; Shitara et al. Lancet 2023, 401(10389):1655-1668.
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