[Molecular diagnosis of gastric cancer]

Based on the genetic and epigenetic abnormalities of cancer-related genes during the development and progression of gastric cancer, we have established a system of molecular-pathological diagnosis as a routine service in Hiroshima. Approximately 5,000 lesions of the stomach have been diagnosed and useful information on differential diagnosis, grade of malignancy, and tumor multiplicity has been obtained using this system. Further research on systemic gene expression profiles, epigenetic alterations, and genetic polymorphisms will improve the quality and efficiency of diagnosis. With the application of novel knowledge on molecular carcinogenesis and microarray techniques, molecular diagnosis will identify the characteristics of individual cancers and persons, which will lead to the development of personalized medicine.