Identifying a high-risk biomarker for gastric cancer recurrence risk

Gastric cancer remains a significant global health challenge, being the fifth most common tumor type and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. While surgical removal of the tumor is the primary treatment approach, nearly 40 percent of patients experience a recurrence within two years post-surgery. This highlights the urgent need for better prognostic tools to identify those at higher risk of relapse.

A research team has focused on the AF1Q gene as a potential prognostic marker. AF1Q, originally linked to blood cancers like leukemia, is known to influence various cellular processes that contribute to cancer development and progression. However, its role in gastric cancer has been largely unexplored until now.

The team analyzed tumor samples from 182 patients who underwent surgery for gastric cancer at MedUni Vienna/University Hospital Vienna. Their findings revealed that 178 of the 182 samples, representing 97.8 percent, showed moderately to significantly elevated levels of AF1Q. These elevated levels were associated with a higher risk of tumor recurrence and reduced survival rates.

"This qualifies AF1Q as a promising biomarker that can be used to better assess the prognosis of patients," says Elisabeth Gruber. The inclusion of AF1Q in the diagnostic process could allow for early identification of patients at increased risk of relapse, enabling healthcare providers to tailor treatment strategies more effectively.

The identification of AF1Q as a biomarker for gastric cancer recurrence has significant implications for patient care. By incorporating AF1Q analysis into the diagnostic process, clinicians can more accurately predict which patients are at higher risk of relapse and adjust follow-up care accordingly. This personalized approach has the potential to improve survival outcomes and reduce the burden of gastric cancer.

"Our study can help to optimize patients' follow-up care and increase their chances of survival," Gruber and Kenner emphasize, underscoring the importance of these findings for clinical practice.

Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality, particularly in Europe and Asia. In 2020 alone, the disease was responsible for around ten million deaths worldwide. The high recurrence rates following surgery, particularly in Europe (38.8 percent) and Asia (60 percent), underscore the need for advancements in diagnostic and treatment approaches.

The research conducted by MedUni Vienna provides a crucial step toward improving the prognosis and treatment of gastric cancer patients. As further studies validate these findings, AF1Q could become a standard biomarker in the management of gastric cancer, offering hope for better outcomes in the future.

MEDICA-tradefair.com; Source: Medical University of Vienna