Claudin-6 as a potential target in the treatment of ovarian cancer: a review of emerging drugs

INTRODUCTION: Claudins are integral components of tight junctions with emerging roles in cancer biology. Dysregulated claudin expression during malignant transformation exposes these proteins on the tumor cell surface, creating opportunities for targeted therapy. Claudin-6, an oncofetal protein largely absent from normal adult tissues, is aberrantly expressed in a significant subset of ovarian cancers, making it an attractive therapeutic target. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the biological rationale for targeting claudin-6 in ovarian cancer and evaluates current therapeutic strategies, including monoclonal antibodies, antibody - drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers, CAR-T cells, and CAR-NK cells. The analysis is based on a structured literature search conducted in major biomedical databases, including MEDLINE (via PubMed), EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov for ongoing studies. EXPERT OPINION: Claudin-6-targeted therapies represent a promising advancement for patients with recurrent or platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. Among current approaches, ADCs appear closest to broad clinical applicability due to their potency and manageable safety profiles. Future success will depend on standardized diagnostic assays, biomarker-driven trial designs, and rational combination strategies to overcome resistance and maximize durable clinical benefit.