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Challenges in molecular targeted therapy for gastric cancer: considerations for efficacy and safety

Yukiya Narita1, Kei Muro1

  • 1a Department of Clinical Oncology , Aichi Cancer Center Hospital , Nagoya , Japan.

Expert Opinion on Drug Safety
|December 16, 2016
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Molecular targeted therapies like trastuzumab and ramucirumab show promise for gastric cancer (GC) by improving overall survival. Ongoing trials and genetic profiling are key for advancing precision medicine in GC.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Gastric cancer (GC) has a complex molecular landscape, with The Cancer Genome Atlas Research Network identifying four distinct subtypes.
  • Despite confirmed mechanisms, limited molecular targeted therapies for GC have received regulatory approval.
  • A need exists to evaluate the efficacy and safety of emerging targeted treatments for GC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review completed and ongoing clinical trials of molecular targeted therapies in gastric cancer patients.
  • To analyze the efficacy and safety profiles of these targeted therapies.
  • To provide expert opinion on the future of precision medicine in GC.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature review of clinical trials involving molecular targeted therapies for gastric cancer.
  • Analysis of efficacy data, including overall survival (OS) and safety profiles.
  • Synthesis of findings to inform clinical practice and future research directions.

Main Results:

  • Trastuzumab (anti-HER2) and ramucirumab (anti-VEGF) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) demonstrated significant improvements in overall survival (OS) for specific GC patient populations.
  • These therapies exhibited manageable safety profiles.
  • Ongoing clinical trials continue to explore novel targeted agents and combinations.

Conclusions:

  • Trastuzumab and ramucirumab represent effective molecular targeted therapies for subsets of gastric cancer patients, improving OS.
  • Close monitoring of ongoing clinical trials is essential for identifying new therapeutic strategies.
  • Timely genetic profiling and monitoring are crucial for the successful implementation of precision medicine in gastric cancer treatment.
Keywords:
Angiogenesisgastric cancerhuman epidermal growth factor receptor 2molecular diagnosisramucirumabtargeted therapythe Cancer Genome Atlastrastuzumabvascular endothelial growth factor

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