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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Molecular biology of gastric cancer
A Cervantes1, E Rodríguez Braun, A Pérez Fidalgo
1Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain. andres.cervantes@uv.es
Abstract:
Despite its decreasing incidence overall, gastric cancer is still a challenging disease. Therapy is based mainly upon surgical resection when the tumour remains localised in the stomach. Conventional chemotherapy may play a role in treating micrometastatic disease and is effective as palliative therapy for recurrent or advanced disease. However, the knowledge of molecular pathways implicated in gastric cancer pathogenesis is still in its infancy and the contribution of molecular biology to the development of new targeted therapies in gastric cancer is far behind other more common cancers such as breast, colon or lung. This review will focus first on the difference of two well defined types of gastric cancer: intestinal and diffuse. A discussion of the cell of origin of gastric cancer with some intriguing data implicating bone marrow derived cells will follow, and a comprehensive review of different genetic alterations detected in gastric cancer, underlining those that may have clinical, therapeutic or prognostic implications.
Insights
Gastric cancer remains challenging despite declining rates. This review explores its molecular pathways, genetic alterations, and potential for targeted therapies, highlighting differences between intestinal and diffuse types.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Gastric cancer presents ongoing therapeutic challenges, particularly for advanced or recurrent cases.
- Current treatments rely on surgery for localized tumors and chemotherapy for metastatic or palliative care.
- Molecular understanding of gastric cancer lags behind other major cancers, hindering targeted therapy development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distinct characteristics of intestinal and diffuse gastric cancer types.
- To discuss the cellular origins of gastric cancer, including potential bone marrow-derived cell involvement.
- To comprehensively analyze genetic alterations in gastric cancer with clinical and therapeutic relevance.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on gastric cancer pathogenesis and molecular pathways.
- Comparative analysis of intestinal and diffuse gastric cancer subtypes.
- Examination of genetic alterations and their implications.
Main Results:
- Gastric cancer exhibits distinct intestinal and diffuse subtypes.
- Emerging evidence suggests bone marrow-derived cells may contribute to gastric cancer origins.
- Various genetic alterations in gastric cancer have potential clinical, therapeutic, and prognostic significance.
Conclusions:
- Further research into molecular pathways is crucial for developing targeted gastric cancer therapies.
- Understanding gastric cancer subtypes and genetic alterations can guide clinical management and treatment strategies.
- The field requires advancement to match progress seen in other cancers like breast, colon, and lung.
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