Advances in targeted therapy for gastric cancer based on tumor driver genes
Shiying Wu1,2, Pinglong Xu3,4,5,6, Fei Zhang7,8
1College of Food Science and Biotechnology, Zhejiang Gongshang University, Hangzhou 310018, China. wushiying@zju.edu.cn.
Abstract:
As the understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms of gastric cancer deepens and the identification of gastric cancer driver genes advances, drugs targeting gastric cancer driver genes have been applied in clinical practice. Among them, trastuzumab, as the first targeted drug for gastric cancer, effectively inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of tumor cells by targeting overexpressed human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Trastuzumab has become the standard treatment for HER2-positive gastric cancer patients. Ramucirumab, on the other hand, inhibits tumor angiogenesis by targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) and has been used as second-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer patients. In addition, bemarituzumab targets overexpressed fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), while zolbetuximab targets overexpressed claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), significantly extending progression-free survival and overall survival in patients with gastric cancer in clinical trials. This article reviews the roles of tumor driver genes in the progression of gastric cancer, and the treatment strategies for gastric cancer primarily based on targeting HER2, VEGF, FGFR2, CLDN18.2 and MET. This provides a reference for clinical application of targeted therapy for gastric cancer.
Insights
Targeted therapies are revolutionizing gastric cancer treatment by focusing on specific driver genes like HER2 and VEGFR2. These advancements offer new hope for patients with advanced or HER2-positive gastric cancer.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Gastric cancer pathogenesis is increasingly understood, leading to the identification of key driver genes.
- Targeted therapies are now clinically applied, improving treatment outcomes for gastric cancer patients.
Approach:
- This review examines targeted therapies for gastric cancer, focusing on drugs targeting human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2), claudin 18.2 (CLDN18.2), and MET.
- Trastuzumab, targeting HER2, is a standard for HER2-positive gastric cancer.
- Ramucirumab, targeting VEGFR2, is used in second-line therapy for advanced gastric cancer.
Key Points:
- Bemarituzumab targets FGFR2, and zolbetuximab targets CLDN18.2, showing significant improvements in progression-free and overall survival in clinical trials.
- Targeting these specific genes offers personalized treatment strategies.
- The review provides a reference for the clinical application of targeted therapies in gastric cancer.
Conclusions:
- Targeted therapies based on specific genetic alterations represent a significant advancement in gastric cancer treatment.
- Further research and clinical application of these targeted agents are crucial for improving patient survival and quality of life.
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