Molecular classification of gastric cancer: Towards a pathway-driven targeted therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Gastroenterology

Background:

• Gastric cancer (GC) is a major global health challenge, ranking as the third leading cause of cancer mortality.
• While surgery offers a cure for localized disease, most GC cases are diagnosed at advanced stages with limited chemotherapy response.
• Advances in understanding GC's molecular mechanisms are paving the way for novel therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of gastric cancer (GC).
• To detail current treatment modalities, morphological classifications, and molecular alterations in GC.
• To highlight emerging therapeutic targets and biomarkers for improved GC management.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on gastric cancer (GC).
• Analysis of molecular classifications and signaling pathway alterations (ErbB, VEGF, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, HGF/MET).
• Summary of completed and ongoing clinical trials targeting these pathways.

Main Results:

• Detailed description of molecular classifications and alterations in key signaling pathways implicated in GC.
• Identification of inhibitors targeting these pathways, with summaries of relevant clinical trials.
• Exploration of emerging stem cell pathways as potential sources for novel GC therapeutic agents and biomarkers.

Conclusions:

• Targeting specific molecular pathways (ErbB, VEGF, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, HGF/MET) shows promise for advanced gastric cancer (GC) treatment.
• Emerging stem cell pathways may offer novel biomarkers for GC diagnosis, prognosis, and individualized therapy.
• Developing effective agents and biomarkers can enhance the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of GC treatments.