The Role of CLDN18.2 in Gastric Cancer Prognosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Gastric cancer (GC) is a major global cause of cancer mortality, with a median overall survival of just 12 months. CLDN18.2, a specific isoform of Claudin18 normally expressed in the gastric mucosa, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker due to its exposure on the surface of tumor cells following malignant transformation. This exposure allows CLDN18.2's extracellular loops to bind monoclonal antibodies, presenting new opportunities for targeted therapy and improved prognostic assessment.