Clinical trial Recruiting at 158 sites Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Sonesitatug vedotin plus capecitabine, with or without rilvegostomig, for CLDN18.2-positive advanced gastric, gastroesophageal junction, or esophageal adenocarcinoma

Official title: A Phase III, Multicentre, Randomised Controlled Study of Sonesitatug Vedotin in Combination With Capecitabine With or Without Rilvegostomig in First-Line Claudin18.2-Positive, HER2-Negative, Advanced/Metastatic Gastric, Gastroesophageal Junction, or Esophageal Adenocarcinoma (CLARITY-Gastric 02)

Run by AstraZeneca · NCT07431281 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether adding sonesitatug vedotin to capecitabine, with or without rilvegostomig, helps people with untreated CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative advanced or metastatic gastric, GEJ, or esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment2130 (estimated)
SponsorAstraZeneca
Industry-sponsored
Locations314 sites (Birmingham, Alabama and 313 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 3, 2026
Main results expectedAugust 16, 2029
Study endsOctober 27, 2031
Registry record updatedOctober 16, 2026
Trial IDNCT07431281 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults with untreated, unresectable or metastatic CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative gastric, GEJ, or distal esophageal adenocarcinoma who meet PD-L1 and ECOG 0–1 criteria are eligible.

Probably not a fit

Patients lacking CLDN18.2 expression, those with HER2-positive tumors, or those unable to tolerate capecitabine or antibody–drug conjugates are unlikely to benefit from this regimen.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This Phase 3, first-line trial enrolls adults with unresectable or metastatic CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative gastric, gastroesophageal junction, or distal esophageal adenocarcinoma. Participants are assigned to one of two cohorts based on PD-L1 status and immune checkpoint inhibitor eligibility: Cohort 1 receives sonesitatug vedotin plus rilvegostomig with capecitabine for PD-L1–positive, ICI-eligible patients, and Cohort 2 receives sonesitatug vedotin with capecitabine for PD-L1–negative or ICI-ineligible patients. CLDN18.2 and PD-L1 status are determined by central immunohistochemistry and the trial also evaluates the clinical performance of the investigational diagnostic tests. Key outcomes include measures of anti-tumor activity and safety on this targeted antibody–drug conjugate combination.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this regimen could improve tumor response and extend survival for patients with CLDN18.2-positive, HER2-negative advanced gastric, GEJ, or esophageal adenocarcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: Other CLDN18.2-targeted therapies, such as the antibody zolbetuximab, have shown encouraging results, so this ADC approach builds on promising but still emerging evidence.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Capable of giving signed informed consent
* Participant must be 18 years or the legal age of consent in the jurisdiction in which the study is taking place, at the time of signing the informed consent.
* Previously untreated histologically documented unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic gastric, GEJ, or distal esophagus (distal third of the esophagus) adenocarcinoma
* Positive CLDN18.2 expression, as determined prospectively by central IHC testing
* Confirmed PD-L1 CPS status by central IHC testing and ICI eligibility per investigator judgement is required to determine cohort eligibility as described below:

  1. Cohort 1: PD-L1 positive as determined by central IHC testing and the participant is deemed ICI eligible per investigator judgement.
  2. Cohort 2: PD-L1 negative as determined by central IHC testing OR the participant is ICI ineligible
* ECOG performance status of 0 or 1 with no deterioration to \> 1 over the previous 2 weeks prior to baseline at screening and prior to randomisation.
* Minimum life expectancy of ≥ 12 weeks.
* At least one lesion (measurable and/or non-measurable) that can be accurately assessed by the investigator based on RECIST 1.1.
* Adequate organ and bone marrow function as specified in the protocol
* Body weight ≥ 35 kg.
* Sex and contraceptive requirements

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known HER2-positive status
* Significant or unstable gastric bleeding and/or untreated gastric ulcers.
* Active or history of autoimmune or inflammatory disorders requiring systemic treatment with steroids or other immunosuppressive treatment or assessed by investigator as not appropriate to participate due to undue risk are excluded.
* CNS pathology
* Clinically significant pleural effusions or ascites and/or pleural effusions or ascites that require drainage, peritoneal shunt, or indwelling catheter/drain.
* Require parenteral nutrition support due to gastric or gastrointestinal obstruction.
* Peripheral neuropathy, sensory or motor, ≥ CTCAE Grade 2 at screening.
* Persistent toxicities caused by previous anticancer therapy excluding alopecia, not yet improved to Grade ≤ 1 or baseline.
* Cardiac abnormalities as outlined in the protocol
* Uncontrolled diabetes or diabetic neuropathy within 3 months prior to randomisation.
* Infectious disease including active hepatitis A infection; uncontrolled hepatitis B and/or chronic or active hepatitis B with HBV DNA ≥ 100 IU/mL; Known chronic, active, or uncontrolled hepatitis C; HIV infection that is not well controlled
* Known partial or total DPD enzyme deficiency

Where it's running

  • Research Site
    Phoenix, Arizona, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Fountain Valley, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Irvine, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    La Jolla, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Orange, California, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Walnut Creek, California, United States
    Recruiting
Show 44 more locations
  • Research Site
    Lone Tree, Colorado, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Jacksonville, Florida, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Atlanta, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Macon, Georgia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Niles, Illinois, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Burnsville, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Rochester, Minnesota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Kansas City, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    St Louis, Missouri, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Summit, New Jersey, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    New York, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    The Bronx, New York, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Charlotte, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Wilmington, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Portland, Oregon, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    York, Pennsylvania, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Yankton, South Dakota, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Nashville, Tennessee, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Dallas, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Sherman, Texas, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Blacksburg, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Fairfax, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Richmond, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Edmonds, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Issaquah, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Seattle, Washington, United States
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Heidelberg, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Murdoch, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Randwick, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Westmead, Australia
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Barretos, Brazil
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Fortaleza, Brazil
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Natal, Brazil
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Porto Alegre, Brazil
    Recruiting
  • Research Site
    Salvador, Brazil
    Recruiting

+264 more sites. See ClinicalTrials.gov for the full list.

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.