Toward molecularly selected chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer: state of the art and future perspectives.
In the last few years therapeutic options for gastric cancer patients have slowly, but constantly expanded following the introduction of both new chemotherapy agents and innovative indications for treatment. Along with the medical therapy also our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease has progressively improved. However although the available treatment options have undoubtedly increased no clear definitive indications can be made for a standard chemotherapy regimen and we are still unable to accurately select the appropriate treatment for the appropriate patient. Many molecular determinants of response/toxicity to chemotherapy agents have been identified, but only few of them seem to possess the necessary potential for a subsequent application in the clinical practice. Some of these factors have also been indicated as a therapeutic target for a novel class of anti-cancer compounds. This systematic review will analyse available data about these factors with the aim to constitute a starting point for future research.
Scartozzi
Mario
M
Clinica di Oncologia Medica, AO Ospedali Riuniti-Ancona, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy. marioscartozzi@gmail.com
Bittoni
Alessandro
A
Pistelli
Mirco
M
Galizia
Eva
E
Berardi
Rossana
R
Giampieri
Riccardo
R
Faloppi
Luca
L
Cascinu
Stefano
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000235:genetics*; D019008:Drug Resistance, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011379:Prognosis; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics* / Q000401:mortality
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor