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Molecular targeted agents for gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer

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Abstract

Despite recent improvements in surgical techniques and chemotherapy, advanced cancers of the stomach and gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) continue to have poor clinical outcomes. However, molecules intimately related to cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis have been studied as candidates for molecular targeted agents. Target molecules, such as the epidermal growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and P13k/Akt/mTor pathway, as well as the insulin-like growth factor receptor, c-Met pathways, fibroblast growth factor receptor, and other pathways are considered to be promising candidates for molecular targeted therapy for gastric and GEJ cancer. In this review we focus on the recent developments in targeting relevant pathways in these types of cancer.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterological Center, Yokohama City University Medical Center, 4-57 Urafune-cho, Minami-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 232-0024, Japan

    Takashi Oshima

  2. Department of Surgery, Yokohama City University, 3-9 Fukuura, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa, 236-0004, Japan

    Munetaka Masuda

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  1. Takashi Oshima
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Correspondence to Takashi Oshima.

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Oshima, T., Masuda, M. Molecular targeted agents for gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer. Surg Today 42, 313–327 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00595-011-0065-9

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