Four Genes Linked to Poorer Gastric Cancer Prognosis

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Gastric Cancer: Are We on the Brink of Personalized Treatment?

Imagine a future where gastric cancer treatment is tailored to your unique genetic makeup. New research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025 suggests this future may be closer than we think. But what does this mean for you, your family, and the fight against this deadly disease?

Unlocking the Genetic Secrets of Gastric Cancer

A groundbreaking study has identified four key genes – BRCA2, CDH1, RHOA, and TP53 – that appear to play a meaningful role in the recurrence and mortality of gastric cancer.The research, led by Dr.Ulysses Ribeiro from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine, analyzed tumor samples from 87 patients and found that those carrying mutations in at least one of these genes faced a significantly higher risk of cancer recurrence and death, even after surgery and standard treatments.

This isn’t just another scientific paper; it’s a potential game-changer. It suggests that by understanding the specific genetic alterations driving a patient’s cancer, doctors can develop more targeted and effective therapies. Think of it as moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to a bespoke suit, perfectly tailored to the individual.

The Four horsemen of Gastric Cancer: A Closer Look

Let’s break down these genes and why they’re so crucial:

• BRCA2: Most Americans recognize this gene’s association with breast and ovarian cancer. Its involvement in gastric cancer highlights the interconnectedness of cancer genetics.
• CDH1: This gene is strongly linked to Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) [2], a especially aggressive form of the disease. Mutations in CDH1 disrupt cell adhesion, allowing cancer cells to spread more easily.
• RHOA: This gene encodes a protein crucial for cell shape, movement, and other essential processes. When mutated, it can contribute to uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis.
• TP53: Nicknamed the “guardian of the genome,” TP53 is the most commonly altered gene in human cancers. It plays a critical role in DNA repair and preventing the growth of abnormal cells. A mutated TP53 can lead to genomic instability and increased cancer risk.

Swift Fact: Did you no that gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer worldwide [1]? While rates are higher in East Asia, it remains a significant health concern in the United states.

Precision Oncology: A New Hope for Gastric Cancer Patients

The study’s findings strongly support the concept of precision oncology – tailoring cancer treatment to the individual patient based on their unique genetic profile. This approach holds the promise of improving treatment outcomes and reducing unnecessary side effects.

Dr. Alia Qureshi from Oregon Health & Science University emphasizes the importance of this research, stating it’s “exciting and moving the direction we want to go, specifically towards precision medicine [and] precision oncology.”

Imagine a scenario where a newly diagnosed gastric cancer patient undergoes extensive genetic testing. The results reveal a CDH1 mutation. Knowing this, oncologists can consider more aggressive surgical approaches or explore targeted therapies specifically designed to address CDH1-related cancers. This level of personalization could significantly improve the patient’s chances of survival.

The American Landscape: Gastric cancer in the US

While gastric cancer is less common in the United States than in other parts of the world, it still poses a significant threat. The American Cancer Society estimates that approximately 26,870 new cases of stomach cancer will be diagnosed in the US in 2024, and about 10,880 people will die from the disease. This highlights the urgent need for improved prevention, early detection, and more effective treatments.

The study’s focus on a Western population is particularly relevant to American patients. As dr. Qureshi points out, much of the existing data on gastric cancer is heavily biased towards Eastern regions. This new research provides valuable insights into the genetic landscape of gastric cancer in a population more representative of the United States.

Challenges and opportunities ahead

While the study’s findings are promising, there are still challenges to overcome before precision oncology becomes a reality for all gastric cancer patients.

• Sample Size: The study involved a relatively small sample size of 87 patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and further refine our understanding of the genetic factors driving gastric cancer.
• Variants of Uncertain Meaning: The study identified both pathogenic variants and variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in the four key genes. More research is needed to determine the clinical significance of these VUS and how they impact treatment decisions.
• Access to Genetic Testing: Comprehensive genetic testing can be expensive and may not be readily accessible to all patients, particularly those in underserved communities. Efforts are needed to ensure equitable access to these potentially life-saving technologies.
• Drug Development: While genetic testing can identify potential targets for therapy, the development of new drugs specifically designed to address these targets can be a lengthy and costly process. Increased investment in research and development is crucial.

Expert Tip: If you have a family history of gastric cancer,particularly Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC),talk to your doctor about genetic testing and screening options. Early detection is key to improving outcomes.

The Future of Gastric Cancer Treatment: A Glimpse into 2030

Looking ahead to 2030, what might the landscape of gastric cancer treatment look like? Here are a few potential developments:

• Widespread Genetic Testing: Comprehensive genetic testing becomes a standard part of the diagnostic process for all gastric cancer patients. This allows oncologists to develop personalized treatment plans based on the patient’s unique genetic profile.
• Targeted Therapies: New drugs are developed that specifically target the genetic alterations driving gastric cancer. These therapies are more effective and have fewer side effects than customary chemotherapy.
• Liquid Biopsies: liquid biopsies, which analyze circulating tumor DNA in the blood, become a routine tool for monitoring treatment response and detecting early signs of recurrence.
• Immunotherapy Combinations: Immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to fight cancer, is combined with targeted therapies to create even more effective treatment regimens.
• AI-Powered Diagnostics: Artificial intelligence (AI) is used to analyze vast amounts of data and identify new genetic markers and potential drug targets.

The Role of Prevention: Can We Stop Gastric Cancer Before It Starts?

While advances in treatment are crucial, prevention remains the most effective way to combat gastric cancer. Several factors are known to increase the risk of developing the disease, including:

• Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection: This common bacterial infection is a major risk factor for gastric cancer [1].eradication of H. pylori can significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease.
• Diet: A diet high in smoked, pickled, and salty foods, and low in fruits and vegetables, increases the risk of gastric cancer. Adopting a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help reduce the risk.
• Smoking: Smoking is a well-established risk factor for many cancers, including gastric cancer. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health.
• Family History: Having a family history of gastric cancer increases your risk of developing the disease. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about screening options.

Reader Poll: Are you concerned about your risk of developing gastric cancer? share your thoughts in the comments below!

FAQ: Your Questions About Gastric Cancer Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions about gastric cancer:

What are the early symptoms of gastric cancer?

early gastric cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms may include indigestion, heartburn, feeling full quickly after eating, mild nausea, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss.

Is gastric cancer hereditary?

While most cases of gastric cancer are not hereditary [3], some genetic mutations, such as those in the CDH1 gene, can significantly increase the risk. Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) is a specific syndrome linked to inherited gene

gastric Cancer: A revolution in Personalized Treatment? Expert Interview

New research is shedding light on the genetic underpinnings of gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, potentially paving the way for personalized medicine and improved outcomes.We spoke with Dr. Vivian Holloway, a leading oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, to discuss the implications of this groundbreaking work.

Precision Oncology and Gastric cancer: An Interview with Dr. Vivian Holloway

Time.news Editor: Dr. Holloway, thank you for joining us. Recent research highlights the role of specific genes – BRCA2, CDH1, RHOA, and TP53 – in gastric cancer recurrence. Can you elaborate on the significance of thes findings?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: Absolutely. This research, notably the study presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2025, is incredibly promising. It reinforces the idea that gastric cancer isn’t a single disease but a collection of diseases driven by different genetic mutations. Identifying these “driver” genes, like BRCA2, CDH1, RHOA, and TP53, allows us to understand why some patients respond well to standard treatments while others don’t. It’s a critical step toward precision oncology in treating gastric cancer.

Time.news Editor: The article mentioned CDH1‘s strong link to Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC).Why is understanding this connection so important?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: CDH1 is indeed a crucial gene in gastric cancer, particularly in the context of HDGC. This hereditary form of the disease is exceptionally aggressive. Identifying individuals with CDH1 mutations has profound implications for screening and preventative measures. Family members of those diagnosed with HDGC, as an example, can undergo testing and, in some cases, consider prophylactic gastrectomy (surgical removal of the stomach) to considerably reduce their risk of developing this devastating cancer. The cleveland Clinic resource on [Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC)](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24913-hereditary-diffuse-gastric-cancer-hdgc) offers excellent further reading on this very topic. Early detection through cancer screening is powerful to reduce risk.

Time.news Editor: The research points towards personalized treatment plans. how might a patient’s genetic profile influence treatment decisions in the future?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: Imagine a patient diagnosed with gastric cancer who undergoes comprehensive genomic testing.If the results reveal a specific mutation, such as in RHOA, it could guide treatment choices. We might prioritize clinical trials investigating agents that target that specific pathway. Or if they have a TP53 mutation, that might impact immunotherapy decisions.The goal is to move away from a standardized approach to one that’s precisely tailored to the patient’s unique tumor biology. It lets us cut through the noise and focus our treatments on what is most likely to work.

Time.news Editor: The article highlights that the study focused on a Western population, making it particularly relevant to American patients.Why is this significant,given that that the fifth mos common cancer worldwide [Gastric Cancer](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8550817/)

Dr. Vivian Holloway: That’s an excellent point. Much of the ancient data on gastric cancer comes from East Asia,were the disease is more prevalent. However, the genetic landscape and risk factors can differ across populations. this study’s focus on a Western cohort provides a more accurate portrayal of the genetic variations and disease patterns we see in American patients. This is crucial for developing more effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies tailored to the U.S. population. Furthermore this is vital as research states that while most cases of [Gastric cancer are not hereditary](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-stomach-cancer-hereditary), some genetic mutations increases the risk.

Time.news Editor: The article also touches on challenges like small sample sizes and variants of uncertain significance (VUS). What impact do these factors have on clinical application?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: These are important considerations. A larger sample size strengthens the statistical power of the findings and provides greater confidence in the association between specific genes and outcomes. VUS, or variants of uncertain significance, pose a diagnostic challenge. These are genetic alterations that we know exist, but we don’t yet fully understand their impact on cancer advancement or response to therapy. More research is needed to classify them as either pathogenic (disease-causing) or benign. The role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) becomes relevant here in helping diagnose and classifying the pathogenic variations.

time.news Editor: What practical advice would you give to readers concerned about their risk of gastric cancer?

Dr. Vivian Holloway: prevention is key! first, if you have a family history of gastric cancer, particularly HDGC, talk to your doctor about genetic testing options. second, be mindful of your diet. A diet high in smoked, pickled, and salty foods can increase risk, so focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Third, avoid smoking. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor. If you experience persistent digestive issues, get tested for H. pylori and treated if necessary.

Time.news Editor: Looking ahead, what developments do you anticipate in gastric cancer treatment by 2030?

Dr.vivian Holloway: I’m optimistic! I beleive we’ll see widespread genetic testing becoming a standard part of diagnosis, leading to more personalized treatment plans. We’ll likely see the development of new targeted therapies specifically designed to address the genetic alterations driving individual cancers. Things like advances in liquid biopsies for monitoring tumor response as well as development of Immunotherapy drugs. The intersection of AI-powered diagnostics and prevention of gastric cancer by 2030 is promising. This personalized approach should translate into improved survival rates and fewer side effects for patients battling this disease.

Time.news Editor: dr. Holloway, thank you for your insights. This information is invaluable for our readers.

Dr. vivian Holloway: You’re welcome. my pleasure.