SHANGHAI — The medical oncology treatment landscape for gastric cancer is undergoing a structural transformation. The era of chemotherapy as the only option is ending. As molecular subtyping becomes standard practice, innovative therapies targeting specific biomarkers are emerging — and two of the most closely watched breakthroughs now share the same target: CLDN18.2.

Zolbetuximab (佐妥昔单抗) has just announced a nearly 30% price reduction, and Satri-cel (舒瑞基奥仑赛 / CT041), the world's first solid tumor CAR-T therapy, is nearing regulatory approval in China. Both are now available — or soon will be — at Jiahui International Cancer Center.

What is CLDN18.2?

CLDN18.2 (Claudin 18.2) is a tight junction protein highly expressed in multiple solid tumors, particularly gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, and certain lung cancers.

For CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative patients, treatment options were severely limited for years. That has now changed — dramatically.

Zolbetuximab (佐妥昔单抗): A New First-Line Standard

Eligible Patients

Confirmed via immunohistochemistry (IHC) testing:

  • CLDN18.2 positive (≥75% tumor cells with membrane staining intensity ≥2+)
  • HER2 negative
  • Locally advanced unresectable or metastatic gastric / GEJ adenocarcinoma — first-line treatment

Clinical Efficacy

Clinical trial data shows zolbetuximab significantly extends median overall survival (mOS) to 18.2 months, approaching 2 years in the per-protocol set (PPS) [1]. Notably, in the Chinese subgroup analysis, the risk of disease progression or death was reduced to 52%, demonstrating even greater clinical benefit for Asian patients [2].

"Zolbetuximab has announced a nearly 30% price reduction. To improve treatment accessibility for eligible patients, Shanghai Jiahui International Cancer Center has immediately adjusted pricing. Latest price: 2,790 CNY per 100mg vial."

Important: Zolbetuximab is associated with nausea and vomiting. At Jiahui, our experienced clinical team implements prophylactic antiemetic protocols and individualized infusion rate adjustments to significantly reduce the incidence of Grade 3-4 vomiting events.

Satri-cel (舒瑞基奥仑赛 / CT041): World's First CLDN18.2-Targeted Solid Tumor CAR-T

CAR-T cell therapy has traditionally been reserved for hematologic malignancies. In June 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) accepted the New Drug Application (NDA) for Satri-cel (CT041) — the world's first CAR-T therapy targeting CLDN18.2-positive solid tumors. Approval is expected imminently.

Eligible Patients

Satri-cel (CT041) is indicated for patients with:

  • CLDN18.2 expression positive (≥40% tumor cells with membrane staining intensity ≥2+)
  • HER2 negative
  • Advanced gastric / GEJ adenocarcinoma that has failed at least two prior lines of systemic therapy

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal CT041-ST-01 study, satri-cel demonstrated statistically significant improvement in progression-free survival (PFS) compared to standard-of-care therapy in CLDN18.2-positive, heavily pretreated G/GEJC patients, with clinically meaningful overall survival (OS) benefit and a manageable safety profile [3].

These results support satri-cel as a new third-line standard of care, reflected in its inclusion as a supplementary recommendation for patients who have failed standard therapies in the CSCO Gastric Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines (2026 Edition).

"Shanghai Jiahui International Cancer Center has completed Satri-cel (CT041) administration protocol training. Upon formal market authorization, Jiahui will be among the first healthcare institutions to offer this innovative therapy, bringing new treatment options to eligible patients."

How to Choose: Zolbetuximab vs. Satri-cel

These two therapies target the same biomarker but serve different treatment lines. The choice depends on multiple factors that require expert evaluation:

Aspect Zolbetuximab (佐妥昔单抗) Satri-cel (舒瑞基奥仑赛 / CT041)
Type Monoclonal antibody (targeted therapy) CAR-T cell therapy (immunotherapy)
Treatment Line First-line (newly diagnosed) Third-line (≥2 prior lines failed)
CLDN18.2 Threshold ≥75% tumor cells, intensity ≥2+ ≥40% tumor cells, intensity ≥2+
Administration IV infusion (ongoing cycles) Single infusion (one-time)
Price at Jiahui 2,790 CNY / 100mg vial To be announced upon approval
Status at Jiahui Available now Preparing — NDA under review

Key Reminders for Patients

  • Test First. CLDN18.2 and HER2 biomarker testing via IHC is mandatory before either treatment can be considered. Jiahui offers on-site pathology with rapid turnaround.
  • Expert Evaluation. After receiving test results, consult with an experienced oncology team. At Jiahui, physicians dynamically monitor efficacy and safety throughout treatment.
  • Multidisciplinary Management. Both therapies require comprehensive care coordination — our clinical pharmacists and nursing team collaborate to manage adverse events and ensure treatment safety.
  • Choose a Trained Center. CAR-T therapy in particular demands institutional experience with cellular therapy toxicity management. Jiahui has completed formal Satri-cel administration protocol training.

Jiahui International Cancer Center: Ready for Both

Jiahui International Cancer Center is part of Shanghai Jiahui International Hospital, led by clinical leaders representing international standards of oncology care. We provide rapid, guideline-compliant comprehensive cancer services for patients aged 14 and above.

Our CAR-T program is already well-established: Jiahui has successfully treated multiple international patients with CAR-T therapy for hematologic malignancies, including lymphoma and multiple myeloma patients from overseas who traveled specifically for treatment at our center. What they value at Jiahui:

  • Internationally benchmarked facilities and clinical capabilities
  • Comprehensive cancer care with multidisciplinary teams
  • Cross-cultural, multilingual communication (20+ languages supported)
  • Comfortable, private treatment environment
  • Cost-effective CAR-T therapy at international standards
  • Experienced cellular therapy toxicity management protocols

Meet Our Oncology Leadership

XL

Medical Oncology

Linli Xuan, MD — Director of Medical Oncology

30+ years of experience in cancer research and clinical care across China and the United States. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Dr. Xuan trained at Fudan University and Shanghai Medical College, completed hematology fellowship under Prof. Ding Xunjie at Huashan Hospital, then 6 years of residency and fellowship training at Case Western Reserve University / University Hospitals in Cleveland, followed by over 20 years of clinical oncology practice in the United States.

Specialties: Breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, and lung cancers; multiple myeloma, lymphoma, CLL; cancer genetics and risk assessment; palliative care and pain management.

Ready to Explore CLDN18.2-Targeted Treatment?

Contact our international patient team for a remote consultation with Jiahui oncology specialists. CLDN18.2 testing can be coordinated through your local provider or performed on-site at Jiahui.

Request a Consultation

Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available clinical data and news reports. It does not constitute medical advice. Eligibility for zolbetuximab or Satri-cel (CT041) treatment must be determined through pathologic review and CLDN18.2 / HER2 biomarker testing, evaluated by a qualified oncologist. Please consult a medical professional for personalized treatment recommendations.

References:

[1] https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(25)00860-8

[2] Shitara K, et al. 2024 ASCO. Abstract 4036.

[3] Shitara K, et al. Lancet. 2023; 401(10389):1655-1668.