Claudins in vulvar cancer : from epithelial barrier to potential tumor-agnostic cancer therapy

Abstract

The immunohistochemical expression of various members of the claudin family has already been studied in pathological affections of the vulva whether to differentiate precancerous lesions from vulvar squamous cell carcinoma or in inflammatory conditions such as lichen sclerosus. From an oncological perspective, however, immunohistochemical analysis of claudin 18.2 protein expression has become increasingly clinically relevant nowadays since the impressive therapeutic benefits of the claudin 18.2 antibody zolbetuximab have been widely recognized. Systematic studies evaluating its expression, including in vulvar cancer, are needed to understand whether such treatment strategies may eventually benefit patients with vulvar neoplasia.