Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 7, 2026
Author Spotlight: Genetic Profiling for Fluorouracil Response in Gastric Cancer
Published on: May 10, 2024
[Novel pharmaceutical treatment approaches for gastric cancer]
1Universitäres Krebszentrum Leipzig, Universitätsmedizin Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland. florian.lordick@medizin.uni-leipzig.de.
Abstract:
This review article delineates novel approaches for the pharmaceutical treatment of gastric cancer. A newly developed molecular classification of gastric cancer based on histology, genetic, epigenetic and proteomic characteristics has evolved. It provides a road map for development of new drugs and combinations as well as for patient stratification in clinical research and it is expected to be introduced into clinical practice in the near future. Anti-HER2 targeted treatment is a validated strategy for treatment of metastatic gastric cancer and is now also being studied in the perioperative setting to increase response rates and ultimately survival in patients undergoing curative surgery; however, the resistance mechanisms of HER2-targeted treatment are poorly understood and optimal patient selection remains challenging. Targeting angiogenesis is a novel concept in the management of advanced gastric cancer. Ramucirumab is an antibody against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and prolongs survival in second-line treatment as a monotherapy and also in combination with paclitaxel; however, biomarkers for selection of patients who particularly benefit from antiangiogenic treatment are still lacking. Immune checkpoint blockade and inhibition of cancer stem cell targets are two emerging principles for the medicinal treatment of gastric cancer. Large-scale international studies for evaluation of these treatment approaches are ongoing. In summary, promising biology-based treatment strategies are evolving; however, tumor heterogeneity, which is an inherent feature of gastric cancer is a particular challenge for the development of targeted medications and a personalized treatment.
Insights
Novel molecular classifications are guiding new gastric cancer treatments, including anti-HER2 therapy and angiogenesis inhibitors. Emerging strategies like immune checkpoint blockade face challenges from tumor heterogeneity.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastric cancer treatment is evolving with new molecular classifications.
- Targeted therapies and immunotherapies show promise but face challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel pharmaceutical approaches for gastric cancer treatment.
- To discuss emerging strategies and their challenges.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on gastric cancer molecular classification.
- Analysis of targeted therapies (anti-HER2, anti-angiogenesis), immune checkpoint blockade, and cancer stem cell inhibition.
Main Results:
- Molecular classification provides a roadmap for drug development and patient stratification.
- Anti-HER2 therapy is validated in metastatic settings, with ongoing perioperative studies.
- Ramucirumab (anti-VEGFR2) improves survival in second-line treatment, but biomarkers are lacking.
- Immune checkpoint blockade and cancer stem cell targets are emerging principles.
Conclusions:
- Promising biology-based treatment strategies are developing for gastric cancer.
- Tumor heterogeneity presents a significant challenge for developing targeted and personalized medications.
More Related Videos
10:28Gene Regulation and Targeted Therapy in Gastric Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis: Radiological Findings from Dual Energy CT and PET/CT
Published on: January 22, 2018
08:59Looking for Driver Pathways of Acquired Resistance to Targeted Therapy: Drug Resistant Subclone Generation and Sensitivity Restoring by Gene Knock-down
Published on: December 11, 2017
Related Concept Videos
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:56Treatment Resistant Cancers
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...