Biomarkers for gastric cancer: Progression in early diagnosis and prognosis (Review)

TLDR

Gastric cancer is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide, characterized by heterogeneity and complex molecular alterations that drive pathogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. This review surveys current biomarkers for early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Biomarkers range from classic markers such as CEA and CA19‑9 to emerging microRNAs, DNA hypomethylation, and genetic polymorphisms that inform diagnosis and prognosis.

Abstract

Gastric cancer is one of leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide and is a notable disease due to its heterogeneity. Recently, numerous studies have investigated the molecular basis of gastric cancer, involving the alteration of pathogenesis, and invasion and metastasis. With the development of modern technologies, various novel biomarkers had been identified that appear to possess diagnostic and prognostic value; therefore, the present review describes our current knowledge of biomarkers for the early diagnosis and prognosis of gastric cancer. Classic biomarkers for gastric cancer diagnosis include carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 19-9, while microRNA and DNA hypomethylation are proposed as novel biomarkers. Excluding classical biomarkers, biomarkers for determining the progression and prognosis of gastric cancer focus on targeting microRNAs, epigenetic alterations and genetic polymorphisms.