Initial Diagnosis: An Illness Disrupts Daily Life
In May 2023, Ms. T (pseudonym) collapsed at work due to sudden discomfort and was subsequently diagnosed with gastric cancer. The diagnosis shattered her regular routine. As her condition progressed, metastasis to the ovaries was detected. After undergoing first-, second-, and third-line treatments, therapeutic efficacy began to diminish, leaving her with no further drug options. Her doctors advised her to return to her hometown to rest—a period she described as a time when she "could barely see any hope."
A New Test Result Brings a Turning Point
In August 2024, Ms. T underwent surgery for ovarian tumors. Postoperative pathological tests revealed positive CLDN18.2 expression—a result that opened new therapeutic possibilities. Learning that this biomarker matched an ongoing clinical trial, she traveled to Shanghai GoBroad Cancer Hospital in September 2024. There, she was enrolled in a Phase III clinical trial on an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) for CLDN18.2-positive gastric cancer, led by Professor Jin LI as the principal investigator.
On September 11, following comprehensive evaluation and consultation by Vice President and Director of the Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Professor Zhou Jun, and the attending medical team, Ms. T signed the informed consent form, officially beginning her participation in the trial.
Response and Changes After Trial Treatment
On October 12, 2024, Ms. T received her first dose of the trial drug at the hospital. She recalled that after this initial treatment, visibly enlarged lymph nodes in her neck began to shrink. After several cycles, they became impalpable. This objective response bolstered her confidence in the treatment and renewed her hope for life.
As of now, Ms. T's tumor shows no significant progression, and her overall condition remains stable. She shared: "Thanks to the doctors' patient communication and the nurses' support, I feel respected and cared for. This treatment has restored my hope."
Medical Commentary and Significance of the Treatment
Professor Jun ZHOU summarized the case: "Gastric cancer has a high incidence in China and is characterized by treatment heterogeneity. CLDN18.2 is an important and relatively specific target found in approximately 50% of gastric cancer patients. Drugs targeting this biomarker have demonstrated promising safety and efficacy profiles."
He continued, "Ms. T, as a patient who had exhausted standard therapies, has shown disease control and improved quality of life after entering the trial. This highlights the critical value of clinical research for patients."
Looking ahead, he emphasized that the hospital will continue to be guided by patient needs, leveraging its research platform, clinical team, and academic collaborations to advance innovative drug research and translational applications.
