Molecular targeting to treat gastric cancer.

Trastuzumab that targets human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) protein is the only approved molecular targeting agent for treating gastric cancer in Japan and the outcomes have been favorable. However, trastuzumab is effective for only 10% to 20% of the population with gastric cancer that expresses HER2 protein. Molecular targeting therapy with bevacizumab against vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF) and with cetuximab and panitumumab against the epidermal growth factors pathway that have been approved for treating colorectal cancer are not considered effective for treating gastric cancer according to several clinical trials.

Molecular targeting therapy using bevacizumab for peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer.

Aim: To clarify the significance of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in peritoneal metastasis from gastric cancer, using the gastric cancer cell line MKN-45 compared with the high potential peritoneal dissemination gastric cancer cell line MKN-45P.

Methods: The supernatant of culture medium of MKN-45 cells or MKN-45P cells was collected and the concentrations were measured of various cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases, growth factor and angiogenic factors, including VEGF. We performed an initial pilot study to explore whether bevacizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against VEGF, had any suppressive effect on the peritoneal dissemination from gastric cancer in an experimental nude mouse model of peritoneal metastasis.

Expression of p27Kip1 protein in gastric carcinoma.

Background/aims: p27 protein resulted in the accumulation of cyclin E/cyclin dependent kinase 2/p27 ternary complexes inhibits gap1 to synthesis phase transition. Here, we have investigated the correlations, if any, between the expressions of p27 and p53, and proliferation cell nuclear antigen.

Methodology: A retrospective study was performed on 75 cases of gastric cancer that had undergone surgical resection.

Expression of CD133 in the cytoplasm is associated with cancer progression and poor prognosis in gastric cancer.

Background: CD133 is one of the most important stem cell markers in solid cancers. Some recent reports have described a possible relationship between CD133 and hypoxia-inducing factor-1-alpha (HIF-1α). The aim of this study was to clarify the clinical role of CD133 expression in gastric cancer and to investigate the correlation between CD133 expression and HIF-1α expression.

Prognosis of metastatic splenic hilum lymph node in patients with gastric cancer after total gastrectomy and splenectomy.

Aim: To clarify the significance of combined resection of the spleen to dissect the No. 10 lymph node (LN).

Methods: We studied 191 patients who had undergone total gastrectomy with splenectomy, excluding non-curative cases, resection of multiple gastric cancer, and those with remnant stomach cancer.

Malignant potential of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the stomach.

Here, we report the Ki-67 Labeling Index, the expression of c-kit, p53, bcl-2, and apoptosis in 11 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs). The Ki-67 Labeling Index in the malignant GIST group was higher than that in the benign group. The Ki-67 Labeling Index in the p53-positive cases was higher than that in the p53-negative cases.

VEGF significance in peritoneal recurrence from gastric cancer.

Background: In gastric cancer, the management of peritoneal dissemination in the Peritoneal cavity is extremely important; however, peritoneal dissemination in the final stage of gastric cancer remains untreatable. Peritoneal dissemination involves several steps, including tumor-cell attachment, invasion, and growth in the peritoneum. Many cytokines, growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and angiogenic factors play important roles in these steps.