Optimization of perioperative approaches for advanced and late stages of gastric cancer: clinical proposal based on literature evidence, personal experience, and ongoing trials and research

Development of the G-Risk scoring system utilizing inflammatory and tumor biomarkers to improve prognostic accuracy in gastric cancer patients without lymphovascular invasion

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to establish the G-Risk scoring system, a prognostic model based on inflammatory and tumor biomarkers, to enhance survival predictions for gastric cancer patients without lymphovascular invasion (LVI) and guide more tailored treatment strategies.

METHODS

The key biomarkers associated with survival outcomes were identified using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. These biomarkers were selected from a range of inflammatory and tumor markers to construct the G-Risk scoring system, which was specifically developed to improve prognostic accuracy in patients without LVI.

RESULTS

The G-Risk score effectively stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups, achieving an AUC of 0.660, demonstrating strong predictive performance. Further multivariate analysis validated the G-Risk score as an independent prognostic factor with significant implications for patient survival.

CONCLUSION

The G-Risk score was successfully developed and validated as a reliable prognostic tool for gastric cancer patients without LVI. Its clinical implementation offers enhanced precision in assessing prognostic risk, facilitating personalized treatment planning, improving therapeutic outcomes, and reducing unnecessary medical interventions.

Standardizing eligibility and patient selection for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy: A Delphi consensus statement

INTRODUCTION

Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy (PIPAC) is a procedure for minimally invasive drug administration in patients with peritoneal metastasis. Previous studies have emphasized the importance of uniformity in treatment protocols and standardization of this practice. This study aimed to reach a consensus on eligibility, patient selection, and choice of chemotherapy for PIPAC.

METHODS

A three-round modified Delphi study was conducted. A steering group formulated a list of baseline statements, addressing the objectives. The steering group consisted of seven expert surgical and medical oncologists. Available evidence and published key opinions were critically reviewed. An international expert panel scored those statements on a 4-point Likert scale. The statements were submitted electronically and anonymously. Consensus was reached if the agreement rate was ≥75%. A minimum Cronbach's alpha of >0.8 was set.

RESULTS

Forty-five (45/58; 77.6%) experts participated and completed all rounds. Experts were digestive surgeons (n = 28), surgical oncologists (n = 7), gynecologists (n = 5), medical oncologists (n = 4), and one clinical researcher. Their assessment of 81 preliminary statements in the first round resulted in 41 consolidated statements. In round two, consensus was reached on 40 statements (40/41; 97.6%) with a consensus of ≥80% for each individual statement. In the third round, 40 statements were unanimously approved as definitive. The choice of first- and second-line chemotherapy remained controversial and could not reach consensus.

CONCLUSIONS

This International Delphi study provides practical guidance on eligibility and patient selection for PIPAC. Ongoing trial data and long-term results that could contribute to the further standardization of PIPAC are eagerly awaited.

Prognostic Value of Postoperative Complication for Gastric Cancer

Background: The incidence of complications in gastric cancer (GC) patients after surgery was increasing, and it was not clear whether postoperative complications would have an impact on prognosis. The current study attempted to investigate the role of postoperative complication for prognosis on GC patients undergoing radical resection. Materials and Methods: Eligible studies were searched in three databases, including PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library, in accordance with the searching strategy on September 4th, 2022. The survival values were most concerned; then, hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled up. All prognostic values, including overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and recurrence-free survival (RFS), were allowed. Subgroup analysis based on complication types was used for further in-depth research. Results: A total of 29 studies involving 33,858 patients were included in this study. Intra-abdominal abscess (19.4%) was the most common complications in the included studies, followed by anastomotic leakage (17.0%) and pneumonia (16.4%). There were 23, 4, 6, and 10 studies that reported OS, DFS, DSS, and RFS, respectively. After analysis, postoperative complication was found to be an independent prognostic factor for OS (HR = 1.52, I2 = 1.14%, 95% CI = 1.42-1.61, P = .00), DFS (HR = 1.71, I2 = 0.00%,95% CI = 1.44-1.98, P < .05), DSS (HR = 1.60, I2 = 54.58%, 95% CI = 1.26-1.93, P < .1), and RFS (HR = 1.26, I2 = 0.00%, 95% CI = 1.11-1.41, P < .05). Subgroup analysis found that noninfectious complication was not significantly associated with OS (HR = 1.39, I2 = 0.00%, 95% CI = 0.96-1.82, P > .05). Conclusion: Surgeons needed to pay more attention to GC patients who developed postoperative complications, especially infectious complications, and take proactive management to improve the prognosis.

An analysis of the relationship of triglyceride glucose index with gastric cancer prognosis: A retrospective study

AIMS/INTRODUCTION

Gastric cancer, one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, is affected by insulin resistance. The triglyceride glucose (TYG) index is considered a surrogate indicator of insulin resistance; however, its prognostic value in patients with gastric cancer remains obscure. This study aimed to determine whether the TYG index could predict the long-term prognosis of patients with gastric cancer after radical resection gastrectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed patients with gastric cancer who underwent radical resection gastrectomy. The preoperative TYG index was calculated using the patients' laboratory data. Patients were divided into two groups based on a high or low TYG index. We observed overall survival and evaluated the clinical application value of the index using Cox proportional hazards regression to calculate independent parameters. A prediction model was also established.

RESULTS

In total, 822 patients with gastric cancer were included. The high and low TYG index groups comprised 353 and 469 patients, respectively. The overall survival time was significantly longer in the high-index group than in the low-index group. In the multivariate analysis, TYG index, preoperative age, surgical procedure, tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage, N stage, and postoperative complications (all p < 0.01) were considered independent prognostic predictors. Based on the multivariate analysis, the riglyceride glucose (TYG) index hazard ratio was 0.70 (95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.89, p = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

We established a model with a high clinical application value and clinical practice relevance to predict the prognosis of gastric cancer. In this model, TYG was an independent protective factor for gastric cancer prognosis.

Exploring the landscape of drug resistance in gastrointestinal cancer immunotherapy: A review

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers pose a significant challenge due to high prevalence and mortality. While advancements in detection and conventional treatments have been made, prognosis often remains poor, particularly for advanced-stage cancers. Immunotherapy has emerged as a transformative approach, leveraging the body immune system against cancer, including immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer. These modalities have shown promise, achieving sustained responses and improved survival in some patients. However, their efficacy in GI cancers is less pronounced, hindered by drug resistance mechanisms that are either intrinsic or acquired over time. This review examines the latest understanding of immunotherapy in GI cancers, focusing on ICIs, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell transfer, along with their associated outcomes and limitations. It delves into the mechanisms behind drug resistance, including alterations in immune checkpoints, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and genetic/epigenetic changes. The role of the gut microbiome is also considered as an emerging factor in resistance. To combat drug resistance, strategies such as enhancing immune response, targeting the tumor microenvironment, and modulating resistance mechanisms are explored. The review underscores the potential of ferroptosis induction as a novel approach. Looking forward, it highlights the need for personalized immunotherapies, understanding the influence of the gut microbiome, and further exploration of ferroptosis in overcoming resistance. While challenges persist, the continuous evolution in GI cancer immunotherapy research promises innovative treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes.

Efficacy and Safety of Drug-Eluting Bead TACE in the Treatment of Primary or Secondary Liver Cancer

Background

The drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) has already been used in hepatic malignancies. We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DEB-TACE in treating primary or secondary liver cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 59 patients with hepatic malignancies, including 41 patients with primary liver cancer and 18 patients with secondary liver cancer, between September 2016 and February 2019. All patients were treated with DEB-TACE. Objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated by mRECIST. The pain was assessed using a numerical rating scale (NRS) where 0 represented no pain, and a score of ten was unbearable. Adverse reactions were assessed according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events 4.0 (CTCAE4.0).

Results

In the subgroup of primary liver cancer, 3 patients (7.32%) got complete response, 13 patients (31.71%) got partial response, 21 patients (51.22%) experienced stable disease, and 4 patients (9.76%) suffered progressive disease; ORR was 39.02% and DCR was 90.24%. In the subgroup of secondary liver cancer, 0 patients (0%) got complete response, 6 patients (33.33%) got partial response, 11 patients (61.11%) experienced stable disease, and 1 patient (5.56%) suffered progressive disease; ORR was 33.33% and DCR was 94.44%. We did not find any difference when comparing the efficacy between primary and secondary liver cancer (P=0.612). The one-year survival rate was 70.73% for primary liver cancer and 61.11% for secondary liver cancer. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.52). For the patients with CR or PR, no factor could predict the efficacy of DEB-TACE. The most common treatment-related adverse reactions were short-term liver function disorders. The symptoms included fever (20.34%), abdomen pain (16.95%), and vomiting (5.08%), all patients with adverse reactions got remission after treatment.

Conclusions

DEB-TACE has a promising effect in the treatment of primary or secondary liver cancer. The treatment-related adverse reactions are tolerable.

Low EBI3 Expression Promotes the Malignant Degree of Gastric Cancer

Objective

To explore expression changes and clinical significance of EBI3 in gastric cancer.

Methods

Expression of EBI3 in gastric cancer (GC) cell lines, GC tissues, and corresponding adjacent tissues were detected by qRT-PCR, Western blot, or immunohistochemistry. The relationship between the EBI3 expression and clinicopathological features of GC patients was analyzed. Expression of EBI3 in BGC-823 was overexpressed or downregulated, then, the changes of proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity of BGC-823 were observed by MTT, scratch test, Transwell test, and tumorigenesis assay model.

Results

EBI3 was lowly expressed in GC tissues. EBI3 expression in BGC823 was highest than other cell lines. EBI3 expression was significantly associated with TNM stage. GC patients with low expression of EBI3 had a rather poor prognosis than the GC patients with high expression of EBI3. Low EBI3 expression was an independent risk predictor of the prognosis of GC patients. After EBI3 was overexpressed, the viability, migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity abilities of BGC-823 were significantly reduced. Opposite effect was observed after EBI3 expression was downregulated.

Conclusion

EBI3 low expression is closely related to the malignant degree of GC and may be a predictive indicator of the prognosis of GC and potential therapeutic targets.

Prophylactic hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy may benefit the long-term survival of patients after radical gastric cancer surgery

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been proven to improve the survival rate of gastric cancer and reduce peritoneal recurrence. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of prophylactic HIPEC after radical gastric cancer surgery in this study. Researchers searched for studies published in PubMed, Embase, Web of science, Scopus, Cochrane, Clinical key databases and Microsoft Academic databases to identify studies that examine the impact of prophylactic HIPEC on the survival, recurrence and adverse events of patients undergoing radical gastric cancer surgery. RevMan 5.3 was used to analyze the results and risk of bias. The PROSERO registration number is CRD42021262016. This meta-analysis included 22 studies with a total of 2097 patients, 12 of which are RCTs. The results showed that the 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival rate was significantly favorable to HIPEC (OR 5.10, 2.07, 1.96 respectively). Compared with the control group, the overall recurrence rate and peritoneal recurrence rate of the HIPEC group were significantly lower (OR 0.41, 0.24 respectively). Significantly favorable to the control group in terms of renal dysfunction and pulmonary dysfunction complications (OR 2.44, 6.03 respectively). Regarding the causes of death due to postoperative recurrence: liver recurrence, lymph node and local recurrence and peritoneal recurrence, the overall effect is not significantly different (OR 0.81, 1.19, 0.37 respectively). 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival follow-up may be incremented by the prophylactic HIPEC, and which reduce the overall recurrence rate and peritoneal recurrence rate. HIPEC may have high-risk of pulmonary dysfunction and renal dysfunction complications. No difference has been found in the deaths due to recurrence after surgery.

Clinical significance of initial treatment for peritoneal lavage cytology-positive gastric cancer: outcomes according to treatment strategy

Background

Although patients with positive lavage cytology (CY1) are classified as having stage IV disease, long-term survival without other unresectable factors (P0CY1) has been reported. Conversion gastrectomy in patients with a change in cytology status after induction chemotherapy might improve survival, but appropriate treatment remains controversial. Here, we reviewed our experience in treating CY1 gastric cancer to evaluate the best treatment strategy.

Methods

Clinical and pathological findings of patients with a diagnosis of P0CY1 gastric cancer at Toranomon Hospital between February 2006 and April 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were classified into two groups according to initial treatment: a surgery-first group and a chemotherapy-first group. In addition, the patients were categorized into subgroups based on the subsequent treatment pattern. The surgery-first group was divided into two subgroups: adjuvant chemotherapy and palliative gastrectomy only. The chemotherapy-first group was divided into three subgroups with the subsequent treatment pattern depending on the response to chemotherapy: conversion gastrectomy, palliative gastrectomy after induction therapy, and palliative chemotherapy.

Results

In total, 38 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study. After initial assessment of cytology status, 21 patients underwent gastrectomy as initial treatment (surgery first) and 17 received induction chemotherapy (chemotherapy first). Ten patients underwent surgery first with adjuvant chemotherapy, 11 underwent palliative gastrectomy alone, 5 underwent conversion surgery, 5 with CY1 disease after induction chemotherapy underwent palliative gastrectomy, and 7 received palliative chemotherapy only. The 3-year survival rate was 23.4% (median survival, 17.7 months) in the surgery-first group and 27.3% (median survival, 19.7 months) in the chemotherapy-first group. The 3-year survival rate was 75% for conversion gastrectomy, 16.7% for palliative chemotherapy, and 0% for palliative gastrectomy after induction chemotherapy.

Conclusions

There was no significant difference in outcome according to whether surgery or chemotherapy was performed first. The prognosis of conversion surgery with curative resection was better than that of the other types of treatment. However, the outlook after induction chemotherapy was poor. Patients with advanced gastric cancer should be treated cautiously until more effective treatment options become available.

Neoadjuvant intraperitoneal chemotherapy for advanced stage gastric cancer (Review)

Gastric cancer remains one of the most lethal malignancies especially when diagnosed in advanced stages of the disease; most often patients diagnosed later during the progression of their disease will present a certain degree of peritoneal contamination such as positive peritoneal cytology or peritoneal metastatic nodules. In such cases most often they then progress to peritoneal carcinomatosis and succumb to the disease within one year. In order to increase the lifespan in such cases multiple therapeutic strategies have been proposed such as radical surgery and intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy or direct intraperitoneal chemotherapy followed by radical surgery. To date, the benefits of intraperitoneal heated chemotherapy at the time of resection have been widely investigated; however the method is still associated with increased rates of perioperative complications. Therefore, attention was focused on investigating the benefits of such procedures as neoadjuvant therapies followed by radical surgery. The aim of the present review was to examine the most efficient therapeutic strategies in advanced-stage gastric cancer such as neoadjuvant laparoscopic heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy, perioperative heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy and neoadjuvant systemic and peritoneal chemotherapy.

Overexpressed LINC00467 promotes the viability and proliferation yet inhibits apoptosis of gastric cancer cells via raising ITGB3 level

Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) LINC00467 plays a proto-oncogenic role in non-small cell lung cancer. However, its effect and modulatory mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) are unknown. Thereby, we elucidated the mechanism of LINC00467 in GC. LINC00467 level in GC tissues was assessed by bioinformatic analysis, and clinicopathological parameters from GC patients were collected. The levels of LINC00467, integrin subunit beta 3 (ITGB3), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) in tissue samples or treated GC cells were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), or Western blot. The viability, proliferation and apoptosis of GC cells were detected by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, colony formation assay, and flow cytometry. Levels of LINC00467 and ITGB3 were up-regulated in GC, and highly expressed LINC00467 was positively associated with tumor size, differentiation, N stage, and T stage in GC patients. LINC00467 was enriched in cytoplasm of GC cells, and overexpressed LINC00467 promoted the viability and proliferation as well as levels of ITGB3 and PCNA, while suppressing the apoptosis and levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP1 in GC cells. Besides, the effects of shLINC00467 on inhibiting cell viability, proliferation of GC cells and PCNA level and promoting apoptosis as well as levels of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP1 were all partially reversed by overexpressed ITGB3. Overexpressed LINC00467 enhanced the viability and proliferation but inhibited apoptosis of GC cells via increasing ITGB3 level.

Outcomes of patients with nonmetastatic gastric adenocarcinoma according to perioperative treatment strategy: a real-world, population-based study

Aim: To assess the survival outcomes of patients with nonmetastatic gastric cancer according to the type of perioperative treatment strategy used (surgery-only, adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy, adjuvant chemotherapy, perioperative chemotherapy) in a population-based setting. Materials & methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results research-plus database was explored, and patients with nonmetastatic gastric cancer who were treated with an oncologic surgery were reviewed. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to examine the impact of treatment strategy on overall and cancer-specific survival. Results: A total of 11,526 patients were found to be eligible and they were included in the current analysis. Looking at the percentages of different treatment strategies throughout the study years (2006-2017), the use of the following strategies increased: adjuvant chemotherapy (20.1 vs 10.6%), and perioperative chemotherapy (21.3 vs 0.5%); while the use of the following strategies decreased: surgery only (36.2 vs 58.2%), and adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (22.4 vs 30.6%). Using multivariable Cox regression analysis, the following factors were associated with worse overall survival: older age (hazard [HR]: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.018-1.023), males (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.04-1.14), Black race (HR: 1.11; 95% CI: 1.04-1.19), cardia subsite (HR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.02-1.17), grade 3-4 (HR:1.32; 95% CI: 1.25-1.40), diffuse histology (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.35-1.58), clinically node positive (HR:1.43; 95% CI: 1.34-1.53), total gastrectomy (HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.13-1.28), and surgery-only approach (HR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.55-1.75). Conclusion: Among patients with localized gastric cancer, patients who were treated with surgery-only, and to a less extent, patients who were treated with surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy have worse survival outcomes; while those treated with perioperative chemotherapy have the best survival outcomes.

Gastric cancer with positive peritoneal cytology: survival benefit after induction chemotherapy and conversion to negative peritoneal cytology

Background

The optimal treatment in patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal disease remains controversial. Some guidelines indicate palliative treatment only, while others consider surgical treatment in case of positive lavage cytology (CY+) or limited peritoneal disease. Here, we analyzed the role of peritoneal disease in patients with gastric cancer, and the prognostic relevance of response to neoadjuvant therapy.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort analysis, we analyzed patients with adenocarcinoma of the stomach or esophago-gastric junction from a single center operated between 2011 and 2019. According to histology and lavage cytology, patients were classified into four risk groups: (A) no peritoneal disease, (B) CY+ who converted to negative lavage cytology (CY−) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, (C) CY+ without conversion after chemotherapy, and (D) patients with visible peritoneal metastasis.

Results

Overall, n = 172 patients were included. At initial presentation, n = 125 (73%) had no peritoneal disease, and about a third of patients (n = 47, 27%) had microscopic or macroscopic peritoneal disease. Among them, n = 14 (8%) were CY+ without visible peritoneal metastasis, n = 9 converted to CY− after chemotherapy, and in n = 5 no conversion was observed. Median overall survival was not reached in patients who had initially no peritoneal disease and in patients who converted after chemotherapy, resulting in 3-year survival rates of 65% and 53%. In contrast, median overall survival was reduced to 13 months (95% CI 8.7–16.7) in patients without conversion and was 16 months (95% CI 12–20.5) in patients with peritoneal metastasis without difference between the two groups (p = .364). The conversion rate from CY+ to CY− was significantly higher after neoadjuvant treatment with FLOT (5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin, oxaliplatin, and docetaxel) compared to ECF (epirubicin, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil) (p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Conversion of CY+ to CY− after neoadjuvant chemotherapy with FLOT is a significant prognostic factor for a better overall survival. Surgical treatment in well-selected patients should therefore be considered. However, peritoneal recurrence remains frequent despite conversion, urging for a better local control.

Assessment of the value of adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma based on pattern of post-surgical progression

PURPOSE

To assess the value of adjuvant radiotherapy for treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma and to investigate subgroups of patients suitable for adjuvant radiotherapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Data from 785 patients with gastric adenocarcinoma who had undergone D1/D2 radical resection and adjuvant chemotherapy were collected, the site of first progression was determined, and the relationship between the rate of local recurrence and clinicopathologic features was analyzed.

RESULTS

By the end of the follow-up period, progression was observed in 405 patients. Local recurrence was observed as the first progression in 161 cases. The local recurrence rate was significantly lower than the non-local progression rate (20.5% vs 31.5%, p=0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a significant relationship among degree of differentiation, T stage, N stage, and rate of local recurrence.

CONCLUSIONS

Not all patients with gastric carcinoma required adjuvant radiotherapy. However, patients with poorly differentiated cancer cells, advanced T stage (T3/T4), and positive lymph nodes, which included patients in the T4N1-2M0 subgroup, were recommended for adjuvant radiotherapy.

CCL21 activation of the MALAT1/SRSF1/mTOR axis underpins the development of gastric carcinoma

BACKGROUND

As a significant cause of malignancy mortality, gastric carcinoma (GC) has been well documented to be an often-fatal diagnosis. Despite the limitations of effective therapy, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach capable of killing cancer cells via the immune system. The current study was conducted to investigate the effect of cytokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 21 (CCL21) on GC progression through the metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1/serine arginine-rich splicing factor 1/mammalian target of rapamycin (MALAT1/SRSF1/mTOR) axis.

METHODS

Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to identify the key genes associated with GC and to subsequently predict their downstream genes. The effect of CCL21, MALAT1, and SRSF1 on the malignant phenotypes and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in-vitro and the tumorigenesis of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in-vivo were assessed by expression determination and plasmid transfection. Additionally, RNA pull-down and RNA binding protein immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to determine the MALAT1-microRNA-202-3p (miR-203-3p) interaction and miR-202-3p-SRSF1 interaction followed by the analysis of their effect on the mTOR pathway.

RESULTS

CCL21 was identified as a key GC immune gene. Overexpressed CCL21, MALAT1, and SRSF1 along with poorly expressed miR-202-3p were identified in the GC cells. CCL21 induced the MALAT1 expression in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Functionally, MALAT1 targeted miR-202-3p but upregulated SRSF1 and activated mTOR. Crucially, evidence was obtained indicating that CCL21 promoted both the malignant phenotypes and EMT of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in-vitro and the tumorigenesis of SGC-7901 and MGC-803 cells in-vivo by increasing the MALAT1-induced upregulation of SRSF1.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, the key observations of our study provide evidence that CCL21 enhances the progression of GC via the MALAT1/SRSF1/mTOR axis, providing a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of GC.

From Interconnection between Genes and Microenvironment to Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Upper Gastro-Intestinal Cancers-A Multidisciplinary Perspective

Despite the progress during the last decade, patients with advanced gastric and esophageal cancers still have poor prognosis. Finding optimal therapeutic strategies represents an unmet need in this field. Several prognostic and predictive factors have been evaluated and may guide clinicians in choosing a tailored treatment. Data from large studies investigating the role of immunotherapy in gastrointestinal cancers are promising but further investigations are necessary to better select those patients who can mostly benefit from these novel therapies. This review will focus on the treatment of metastatic esophageal and gastric cancer. We will review the standard of care and the role of novel therapies such as immunotherapies and CAR-T. Moreover, we will focus on the analysis of potential predictive biomarkers such as Modify as: Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and PD-L1, which may lead to treatment personalization and improved treatment outcomes. A multidisciplinary point of view is mandatory to generate an integrated approach to properly exploit these novel antiproliferative agents.