Multiple gene expression based prognostic biomarkers have been repeatedly identified in gastric carcinoma. However, without confirmation in an independent validation study, their clinical utility is ...limited. Our goal was to establish a robust database enabling the swift validation of previous and future gastric cancer survival biomarker candidates.
The entire database incorporates 1,065 gastric carcinoma samples, gene expression data. Out of 29 established markers, higher expression of BECN1 (HR = 0.68, p = 1.5E-05), CASP3 (HR = 0.5, p = 6E-14), COX2 (HR = 0.72, p = 0.0013), CTGF (HR = 0.72, p = 0.00051), CTNNB1 (HR = 0.47, p = 4.3E-15), MET (HR = 0.63, p = 1.3E-05), and SIRT1 (HR = 0.64, p = 2.2E-07) correlated to longer OS. Higher expression of BIRC5 (HR = 1.45, p = 1E-04), CNTN1 (HR = 1.44, p = 3.5E- 05), EGFR (HR = 1.86, p = 8.5E-11), ERCC1 (HR = 1.36, p = 0.0012), HER2 (HR = 1.41, p = 0.00011), MMP2 (HR = 1.78, p = 2.6E-09), PFKB4 (HR = 1.56, p = 3.2E-07), SPHK1 (HR = 1.61, p = 3.1E-06), SP1 (HR = 1.45, p = 1.6E-05), TIMP1 (HR = 1.92, p = 2.2E- 10) and VEGF (HR = 1.53, p = 5.7E-06) were predictive for poor OS.
We integrated samples of three major cancer research centers (Berlin, Bethesda and Melbourne datasets) and publicly available datasets with available follow-up data to form a single integrated database. Subsequently, we performed a literature search for prognostic markers in gastric carcinomas (PubMed, 2012-2015) and re-validated their findings predicting first progression (FP) and overall survival (OS) using uni- and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis.
The major advantage of our analysis is that we evaluated all genes in the same set of patients thereby making direct comparison of the markers feasible. The best performing genes include BIRC5, CASP3, CTNNB1, TIMP-1, MMP-2, SIRT, and VEGF.
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), one of the most abundant immune components in gastric cancer (GC), are difficult to characterize due to their heterogeneity. Multiple approaches have been used to ...elucidate the issue, however, due to the tissue-destructive nature of most of these methods, the spatial distribution of TAMs in situ remains unclear. Here we probe the relationship between tumor context and TAM heterogeneity by multiplex immunohistochemistry of 56 human GC cases. Using distinct expression marker profiles on TAMs, we report seven predominant populations distributed between tumor and non-tumor tissue. TAM population-associated gene signatures reflect their heterogeneity and polarization in situ. Increased density of CD163+ (CD206-) TAMs with concurrent high CD68 expression is associated with upregulated immune-signaling and improved patient survival by univariate, but not multivariate analysis. CD68-only and CD206+ TAMs are correlated with high PDL1 expression.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are a form of immunotherapy that have revolutionized the treatment of a number of cancers. Specifically, they are antibodies targeted against established and ...emerging immune checkpoints, such as cytotoxic T-cell antigen 4 (CTLA4), programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and programmed cell death 1 protein (PD-1) on CD8-positive T cells, which promote the destruction of tumor cells. While the immune checkpoint inhibitors are very effective in the treatment of a number of cancers, their use is limited by serious and in some cases life-threatening immune-related adverse events. While these involve many organs, one of the most prevalent serious adverse events is immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis, occurring in a significant proportion of patients treated with this therapy. In this review, we aim to broadly describe the immune-related adverse events known to occur within the gastrointestinal system and the potential role played by the intestinal microbiome.
The contribution of mast cells in the microenvironment of solid malignancies remains controversial. Here we functionally assess the impact of tumor-adjacent, submucosal mast cell accumulation in ...murine and human intestinal-type gastric cancer. We find that genetic ablation or therapeutic inactivation of mast cells suppresses accumulation of tumor-associated macrophages, reduces tumor cell proliferation and angiogenesis, and diminishes tumor burden. Mast cells are activated by interleukin (IL)-33, an alarmin produced by the tumor epithelium in response to the inflammatory cytokine IL-11, which is required for the growth of gastric cancers in mice. Accordingly, ablation of the cognate IL-33 receptor St2 limits tumor growth, and reduces mast cell-dependent production and release of the macrophage-attracting factors Csf2, Ccl3, and Il6. Conversely, genetic or therapeutic macrophage depletion reduces tumor burden without affecting mast cell abundance. Therefore, tumor-derived IL-33 sustains a mast cell and macrophage-dependent signaling cascade that is amenable for the treatment of gastric cancer.
Objective
Gastric cancer patients generally have a poor outcome, particularly those with advanced-stage disease which is defined by the increased invasion of cancer locally and is associated with ...higher metastatic potential. This study aimed to identify genes that were functional in the most fundamental hallmark of cancer, namely invasion. We then wanted to assess their value as biomarkers of gastric cancer progression and recurrence.
Design
Data from a cohort of patients profiled on cDNA expression arrays was interrogated using K-means analysis. This genomic approach classified the data based on patterns of gene expression allowing the identification of the genes most correlated with the invasion of GC. We evaluated the functional role of a key protein from this analysis in invasion and as a biomarker of recurrence after curative resection.
Results
Expression of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) was identified as directly proportional to gastric cancer invasion. This finding was validated in multiple, independent datasets and its functional role in invasion was also confirmed using invasion assays. A change in serum levels of SFRP4 after curative resection, when coupled with AJCC stage, can accurately predict the risk of disease recurrence after curative therapy in an assay we termed
PredictR
.
Conclusions
This simple ELISA-based assay can help predict recurrence of disease after curative gastric cancer surgery irrespective of adjuvant therapy. The results require further evaluation in a prospective trial but would help in the rational prescription of cancer therapies and surveillance to prevent under or over treatment of patients after curative resection.
Gastric cancer is a major gastrointestinal malignancy for which targeted therapies are emerging as treatment options. This study sought to identify the most prevalent molecular targets in gastric ...cancer and to elucidate systematic patterns of exclusivity and co-occurrence among these targets, through comprehensive genomic analysis of a large panel of gastric cancers.
Using high-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism arrays, copy number alterations were profiled in a panel of 233 gastric cancers (193 primary tumours, 40 cell lines) and 98 primary matched gastric non-malignant samples. For selected alterations, their impact on gene expression and clinical outcome were evaluated.
22 recurrent focal alterations (13 amplifications and nine deletions) were identified. These included both known targets (FGFR2, ERBB2) and also novel genes in gastric cancer (KLF5, GATA6). Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)/RAS alterations were found to be frequent in gastric cancer. This study also demonstrates, for the first time, that these alterations occur in a mutually exclusive fashion, with KRAS gene amplifications highlighting a clinically relevant but previously underappreciated gastric cancer subgroup. FGFR2-amplified gastric cancers were also shown to be sensitive to dovitinib, an orally bioavailable FGFR/VEGFR targeting agent, potentially representing a subtype-specific therapy for FGFR2-amplified gastric cancers.
The study demonstrates the existence of five distinct gastric cancer patient subgroups, defined by the signature genomic alterations FGFR2 (9% of tumours), KRAS (9%), EGFR (8%), ERBB2 (7%) and MET (4%). Collectively, these subgroups suggest that at least 37% of gastric cancer patients may be potentially treatable by RTK/RAS directed therapies.
GIM is a persistent, premalignant lesion whereby gastric mucosa is replaced by metaplastic mucosa resembling intestinal tissue, arising in the setting of chronic inflammation, particularly in the ...context of
. While the overall rates of progression to gastric adenocarcinoma are low, estimated at from 0.25 to 2.5%, there are features that confer a much higher risk and warrant follow-up. In this review, we collate and summarise the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of GIM, and the clinical, endoscopic and histologic risk factors for cancer. We examine the current state-of-practice with regard to the diagnosis and management of GIM, which varies widely in the published guidelines and in practice. We consider the emerging evidence in population studies, artificial intelligence and molecular markers, which will guide future models of care. The ultimate goal is to increase the detection of early gastric dysplasia/neoplasia that can be cured while avoiding unnecessary surveillance in very low-risk individuals.
Background & Aims Gastric cancer (GC) is a heterogeneous disease comprising multiple subtypes that have distinct biological properties and effects in patients. We sought to identify new, intrinsic ...subtypes of GC by gene expression analysis of a large panel of GC cell lines. We tested if these subtypes might be associated with differences in patient survival times and responses to various standard-of-care cytotoxic drugs. Methods We analyzed gene expression profiles for 37 GC cell lines to identify intrinsic GC subtypes. These subtypes were validated in primary tumors from 521 patients in 4 independent cohorts, where the subtypes were determined by either expression profiling or subtype-specific immunohistochemical markers (LGALS4, CDH17). In vitro sensitivity to 3 chemotherapy drugs (5-fluorouracil, cisplatin, oxaliplatin) was also assessed. Results Unsupervised cell line analysis identified 2 major intrinsic genomic subtypes (G-INT and G-DIF) that had distinct patterns of gene expression. The intrinsic subtypes, but not subtypes based on Lauren's histopathologic classification, were prognostic of survival, based on univariate and multivariate analysis in multiple patient cohorts. The G-INT cell lines were significantly more sensitive to 5-fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, but more resistant to cisplatin, than the G-DIF cell lines. In patients, intrinsic subtypes were associated with survival time following adjuvant, 5-fluorouracil–based therapy. Conclusions Intrinsic subtypes of GC, based on distinct patterns of expression, are associated with patient survival and response to chemotherapy. Classification of GC based on intrinsic subtypes might be used to determine prognosis and customize therapy.
Abstract
Background
Identifying risk factors for metachronous colorectal cancer (CRC) and metachronous advanced neoplasia could be useful for guiding surveillance. We conducted a systematic review ...and meta-analysis to investigate risk factors for metachronous CRC and advanced neoplasia.
Methods
Searches were conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials for articles (searching period: 1945 to Feburary, 2021) that reported the results of an association between any factor and metachronous advanced neoplasia or metachronous CRC. There were no restrictions on the publication date or language. Random effects models were fitted to estimate the combined association between the risk factors and metachronous CRC or advanced neoplasia. The Risk of Bias In Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tool (ROBINS-I) was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies.
Results
In total, 22 observational studies with 625,208 participants were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. Of these, 13 studies investigated risk factors for metachronous CRC and 9 for advanced neoplasia. The risks of metachronous CRC or advanced neoplasia were higher if the first CRC was diagnosed in the presence of a synchronous advanced lesion (pooled risk ratio (RR) from 3 studies: 3.61, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.44–9.05; and pooled RR from 8 studies: 2.77, 95% CI: 2.23–3.43, respectively). The risk of metachronous CRC was lower, but the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia was higher if the first CRC was distal (compared with proximal) (pooled RR from 3 studies: 0.48, 95% CI: 0.23–0.98; and pooled RR from 2 studies: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.60–5.58 respectively). The risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia increased with age (pooled RR from 3 studies: 1.07 per year of age, 95% CI: 1.03–1.11). There was no evidence that any lifestyle risk factors studied were associated with the risk of metachronous CRC or advanced neoplasia.
Conclusions
The identified risk factors for metachronous CRC and advanced neoplasia might be useful to tailor the existing surveillance guidelines after the first CRC. There were potential limitations due to possible misclassification of the outcome, confounding and risk of bias, and the findings cannot be generalised to high-risk genetic syndrome cases.
Celotno besedilo
Dostopno za:
DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer death worldwide, with advanced stage being correlated to the level of tumour invasion and metastasis. Current research is heavily focused on the ...identification and development of efficacious therapeutics targeting these fundamental hallmarks of cancer, however there are currently no animal models that mimic the invasive phenotypes observed in humans. To address this we have developed an orthotopic mouse model whereby gastric cancer cell lines are tagged with luciferase and injected into the subserosal layer of the stomach. This allows for the monitoring of primary tumour growth and metastasis in real-time as well as quantitation of the degree of tumour invasion through the stomach wall by immunohistochemistry. We have three models based on the degree of invasion and metastasis that are cell line specific: The AGS cells develop into invasive tumours by 4-weeks with no evidence of metastases, MKN45 cells are moderately metastatic with minimal invasion till week 2 and MKN28 cells are highly metastatic and fully invasive by week 1. These models have utility as a tool for testing the efficacy of anti-tumour, anti-invasive and anti-metastatic therapies in the setting of gastric cancer, which currently has poor treatment options.