Close-up of a microscope with an abstract overlay of white circles in a lab setting

Interpreting stains

Studies have evaluated both membranous staining and percentage of tumour cells stained for CLDN18.2 expression.^1,2

Based on 2 studies: one study comparing claudin 18.2 expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastases in Japanese patients with gastric adenocarcinoma and one study investigating the immunohistochemical (IHC) profile of claudin 18 in a series of gastric and GEJ adenocarcinomas^.1,2

In G/GEJ tumours, CLDN18.2 is reported as the percentage of tumour cells stained with moderate-to-strong membranous stain intensity.¹

0 NO STAINING

1+ WEAK STAINING

2+ MODERATE STAINING

3+ STRONG STAINING

Tissue slides with tumour cells present can demonstrate varying levels of CLDN18 membranous staining intensity, ranging from no staining to strong staining (0 to 3+)
Many studies have included percentage of tumour cells with only moderate-to-strong (2+/3+) membranous staining for scoring CLDN18

Account for tumor necrosis during interpretation.

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Stain gallery

References: 1. Pellino A, Brignola S, Riello E, et al. Association of CLDN18 protein expression with clinicopathological features and prognosis in advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas. J Pers Med (Epub) 10-26-2021. 2.Rohde C, Yamaguchi R, Mukhina S, et al. Comparison of Claudin 18.2 expression in primary tumors and lymph node metastases in Japanese patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Jpn J Clin Oncol 2019;49(9):870-6.

Interpreting stains

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When reporting CLDN18.2 expression, both staining intensity and percentage of tumour cells stained should be included.1

When reporting CLDN18.2 expression, both staining intensity and percentage of tumour cells stained should be included.¹