High prevalence of TROP2 expression identifies EBV-positive gastric cancer as a candidate for TROP2-directed antibody-drug conjugates

Purpose

Trophoblast cell surface antigen 2 (TROP2) is a glycoprotein expressed on epithelial tumor cells and therefore an established target for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive gastric cancer is a molecularly distinct subtype characterized by unique immunological features, including frequent responsiveness to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Nevertheless, a subset of these patients fails to benefit from ICI therapy, leaving an unmet need for non-immunotherapeutic treatment options. Tumors lacking TROP2, fail to respond to TROP2-directed ADCs. We therefore assessed the prevalence of TROP2 expression in gastric cancer including the EBV-positive subtype, which has not been characterized to date.