Translating gastric cancer genomics into targeted therapies

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2016 Apr:100:141-6. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2016.02.007. Epub 2016 Feb 18.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a common disease with limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. Many gastric cancers harbour potentially actionable targets, including over-expression and mutations in tyrosine kinase pathways. Agents have been developed against these targets with varying success- in particular, the use of trastuzumab in HER2-overexpressing gastric cancers has resulted in overall survival benefits. Gastric cancers also have high levels of somatic mutations, making them candidates for immunotherapy; early work in this field has been promising. Recent advances in whole genome and multi-platform sequencing have driven the development of molecular classification systems, which may in turn guide the selection of patients for targeted treatment. Moving forward, challenges will include the development of appropriate biomarkers to predict responses to targeted therapy, and the application of new molecular classifications into trial development and clinical practice.

Keywords: Gastric cancer; Immunotherapy; Molecular classification; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
  • Genomics*
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy / methods*
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / genetics
  • Receptor, ErbB-2 / metabolism
  • Stomach Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Stomach Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology
  • Stomach Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Translational Research, Biomedical
  • Trastuzumab / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Protein-Tyrosine Kinases
  • Receptor, ErbB-2
  • Trastuzumab