Key points:
• The mechanism of action of Zolbetuximab and its target, Claudin 18.2.
• An overview of the GLOW and SPOTLIGHT studies, including study design and key findings on progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
• Practical considerations for administering Zolbetuximab in clinical practice, including dosing schedules and side effect management.
• The importance of testing for Claudin 18.2 and the challenges faced in rural settings without in-house testing.
• Future directions in the treatment landscape for gastric cancer, including potential combination therapies and emerging agents.
In this episode of the Oncology Brothers podcast, we dived into the recent advancements in the treatment of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) and gastric cancer, specifically focusing on the approval of Zolbetuximab. Drs. Rahul & Rohit Gosain are joined by Dr. Kohei Shitara, the lead author of the SPOTLIGHT study and Director of GI Oncology at the National Cancer Center Hospital in Japan.
We started by discussing the mechanism of action of Zolbetuximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting Claudin 18.2, which is expressed in a significant portion of gastric cancer cases. Dr. Shitara explains the findings from the GLOW and SPOTLIGHT studies, highlighting the improvements in progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients treated with Zolbetuximab in combination with chemotherapy compared to standard treatments.
The conversation also covers practical aspects of administering Zolbetuximab, including dosing schedules and the management of side effects such as nausea and vomiting, which are common due to the drug's on-target effects. Dr. Shitara provides insights into how to mitigate these side effects through premedication and infusion strategies.
We also explore the implications of testing for Claudin 18.2 and the challenges faced in rural settings where in-house testing may not be available. The episode wraps up with a discussion on the future of treatment options in this space, including the potential for combination therapies involving checkpoint inhibitors.
Overall, this episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of gastric cancer treatment and the promising role of Zolbetuximab as a new standard of care. We hope you find this discussion informative and encourage you to share it with colleagues who may benefit from this knowledge.
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