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Updated: Apr 11, 2026
Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
Molecular biomarkers in gastric cancer
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) represents a serious health problem on a global scale. Despite some recent advances in the field, the prognosis in metastatic GC remains poor. Even in localized disease the adjunctive therapies improve overall survival (OS) by only approximately 10%. A better understanding of molecular biology, which would lead to improved treatment options, is needed and is the basis for this review. Many potential biomarkers of prognostic significance have been identified, including ALDH, SHH, Sox9, HER2, EGFR, VEGF, Hippo/YAP, and MET. However, inhibition of only HER2 protein has led to a modest survival benefit. A new approach to GC treatment, which is a disease influenced by inflammation, is the exploitation of the immune system to fight disease. Two interesting targets/prognostic markers that bear further investigation in GC are PD1 and PDL, particularly given their success in the treatment of other inflammation/immune-associated malignancies.
Insights
Gastric cancer (GC) prognosis remains poor, especially in metastatic cases. This review explores molecular biomarkers and immunotherapy targets like PD1/PDL for improved gastric cancer treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gastric cancer (GC) poses a significant global health challenge with poor prognosis, particularly in metastatic stages.
- Current adjunctive therapies offer limited improvement in overall survival (OS).
- A deeper understanding of GC's molecular biology is crucial for developing better treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential molecular biomarkers for gastric cancer prognosis.
- To explore novel therapeutic strategies, including immunotherapy, for GC treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of identified prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer.
- Analysis of emerging therapeutic targets, focusing on immune checkpoints.
Main Results:
- Several biomarkers (ALDH, SHH, Sox9, HER2, EGFR, VEGF, Hippo/YAP, MET) have been identified, but only HER2 inhibition shows a modest survival benefit.
- Exploiting the immune system presents a promising new approach for GC treatment.
- PD1 and PDL are highlighted as key targets for further investigation due to their success in other malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Improved understanding of GC molecular pathways is needed.
- Immunotherapy, particularly targeting PD1/PDL, holds significant potential for advancing gastric cancer treatment.
