Bornschein Jan, Weigt Jochen, Selgrad Michael, Malfertheiner Peter
Otto-von-Guericke-University of Magdeburg, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany +0049 391 6713100 ; +0049 391 6713105 ;
Expert Opin Med Diagn. 2009 Sep;3(5):585-96. doi: 10.1517/17530050902862175. Epub 2009 Jun 26.
Gastric cancer (GC) represents the second most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The prognosis remains poor, with limited treatment options. A better understanding of the initiation and progression of GC would enable the development of general screening strategies and individualized treatment modalities.
The assessment of tools and molecular markers for the early detection and diagnosis of GC.
Human clinical studies published within the past 5 years are reviewed. Also, significant previous data on markers in clinical use or on relevant animal or cell culture experiments are considered.
RESULTS/CONCLUSION: Serum-based screening strategies are not ready for routine application but represent an opportunity for the identification of individuals at high risk with the need for primary gastroscopy and further surveillance, which would ultimately improve survival and prognosis of GC. Infection with Helicobacter pylori represents the principal risk factor for gastric carcinogenesis. Bacterial virulence and host genetic factors contribute to individual susceptibility. Key molecular alterations in gastric carcinogenesis are related to intra- and extracellular cascades that regulate cell proliferation, tumor invasion and metastastic spread. For the development of effective prevention and treatment modalities, it is essential to unravel the basic mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis.
