Emerging precision therapies for gastric cancer. Issue 4 (3rd July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cartwright, Elizabeth; Athauda, Avani; Chau, Ian
• Is Part Of: Expert review of precision medicine and drug development. Volume 5:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 299
• Page End: 311
• Publication Date: 2020-07-03
• Subjects: Gastric cancer -- immunotherapy -- molecular classification -- precision medicine -- targeted therapy; Personalized medicine -- Periodicals; Drug development -- Periodicals; 615.19005
• DOI: 10.1080/23808993.2020.1760089
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2380-8993

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is a leading cause of cancer-related death and a significant global health burden. Chemotherapy remains the mainstay of treatment in advanced disease and only trastuzumab in combination with upfront fluoropyrimidine/platinum chemotherapy for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) positive disease and ramucirumab together with paclitaxel in the second line have demonstrated a significant survival benefit over chemotherapy alone. Despite the focus on a molecularly targeted approach, treatment gains have been modest and GC remains an area of great unmet need. Areas covered: In this review, we provide an overview of the continuum of care in GC, the molecular characterization of GC, targeted therapies currently under investigation and the role of immunotherapy. Expert commentary: Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease. A targeted approach based upon molecular phenotype holds promise for improving outcomes.