Mesothelin and Claudin 18.2 Dual-Target CAR-T Therapy in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal malignancies, with a poor prognosis in advanced stages. Mesothelin (MSLN) and Claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2) are tumor-associated antigens overexpressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells. Both are promising immunotherapy targets, as they are prevalent in pancreatic tumors while largely restricted in normal tissues. CAR-T cell therapies directed at these antigens have shown early evidence of safety and anti-tumor activity. For example, mesothelin-specific CAR T cells have achieved stable disease and metabolic tumor regression in initial trials without dose-limiting toxicity. Similarly, CLDN18.2-specific CAR-T cells yielded objective remissions (including complete remission) in refractory pancreatic cancer, albeit with some gastric mucosal toxicity due to low-level target expression in normal stomach. Targeting two antigens may improve tumor control by addressing antigen heterogeneity and reducing immune escape. This trial evaluates a dual-target CAR-T strategy, in which two separate CAR-T products (one for mesothelin, one for claudin18.2) are given sequentially.