Published online Dec 15, 2015. doi: 10.4251/wjgo.v7.i12.401
Peer-review started: May 22, 2015
First decision: July 1, 2015
Revised: September 18, 2015
Accepted: October 23, 2015
Article in press: October 27, 2015
Published online: December 15, 2015
Processing time: 208 Days and 0.5 Hours
In the West in particular, the vast majority of gastric cancer (GC) patients present with advanced-stage disease. Although combination chemotherapy is still the most important component of treatment for these patients, it confers a modest survival advantage. Recently, increased knowledge of the key molecular signaling pathways involved in gastric carcinogenesis has led to the discovery of specific molecular-targeted therapeutic agents. Some of these agents such as trastuzumab and ramucirumab have changed the treatment paradigm for this disease. In this paper, we will summarize the current clinical status of targeted drug therapy in the management of GC.
Core tip: Systemic chemotherapy confers a modest survival advantage in patients with advanced gastric cancer. The new therapeutic agents that target various inter- and intracellular signaling transduction pathways offer the promise of improved clinical outcomes in selected patients. The success of some of these agents has changed the treatment paradigm for advanced gastric cancer. We herein discuss the current and potential future roles of targeted therapy in the management of this malignancy.