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Updated: Jul 27, 2025

Author Spotlight: Advancing Early Detection and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors
Published on: February 16, 2024
The Human Gastric Juice: A Promising Source for Gastric Cancer Biomarkers
Nayra Felípez1, Sheyla Montori1, Naroa Mendizuri2
1Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Research Unit, Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain.
Abstract:
Gastric cancer (GC) is a major public health problem worldwide, with high mortality rates due to late diagnosis and limited treatment options. Biomarker research is essential to improve the early detection of GC. Technological advances and research methodologies have improved diagnostic tools, identifying several potential biomarkers for GC, including microRNA, DNA methylation markers, and protein-based biomarkers. Although most studies have focused on identifying biomarkers in biofluids, the low specificity of these markers has limited their use in clinical practice. This is because many cancers share similar alterations and biomarkers, so obtaining them from the site of disease origin could yield more specific results. As a result, recent research efforts have shifted towards exploring gastric juice (GJ) as an alternative source for biomarker identification. Since GJ is a waste product during a gastroscopic examination, it could provide a "liquid biopsy" enriched with disease-specific biomarkers generated directly at the damaged site. Furthermore, as it contains secretions from the stomach lining, it could reflect changes associated with the developmental stage of GC. This narrative review describes some potential biomarkers for gastric cancer screening identified in gastric juice.
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