Genomics and epidemiology for gastric adenocarcinomas

Whereas the pathological aspects of Gastric Adenocarcinomas (GACs) have been well defined, the actual knowledge of its genesis and evolution remains to be translated to better diagnosis and to more effective therapeutics. As a consequence, the current treatment modalities are not yet able to modify the natural history of the disease, which still presents high mortality-rates worldwide. In this review we highlight the current status of relevant epidemiologic, therapeutic and genomics aspects of GACs and point to some of the current knowledge gaps that, if fully addressed, could contribute to a more effective treatment and better management of the patients that suffer from this often-lethal disease (AU)

Clinical Significance of MUC2 and MUC5AC Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinomas

PURPOSE: We examined the clinical significance of MUC2 and MUC5AC gene expression in gastric adeno-carcinoma tissues. METHODS: Two hundred specimens were obtained from gastric carcinoma patients who underwent gastric cancer operations at Samsung Medical Center between January 2001 and January 2005. MUC2 and MUC5AC expression were examined immunohistochemically, and correlated with clinicopathologic features and prognostic significance. RESULTS: MUC2 expression was positive in 88 tissues (44.0%) and MUC5AC expression was positive in 125 tissues (62.5%). MUC2 expression was associated with cancer advancement, lymph node metastasis, T classification, distant metastasis, and endolymphatic invasion. Loss of MUC5AC expression was significantly related to cancer advancement, lymph node metastasis, advanced T stage, and distant metastasis. MUC2 expression was usually negative in early gastric cancer (78%), but usually positive in advanced gastric cancer (66%). MUC5AC was usually positive in early gastric cancer (74%). The prognosis of the MUC2(-) group was significantly better than the MUC2(+) group (P<0.001). There was no relationship with MUC5AC expression and survival. Multivariate analysis showed that T classification, lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, endolymphatic invasion, and MUC2 expression were independent prognostic factors, but MUC5AC expression was not. CONCLUSION: MUC2 and MUC5AC expression correlated with several clinicopathologic parameters (cancer advancement, lymph node metastasis, advanced T classification, distant metastasis). MUC2 expression was a significant independent prognostic factor and positive MUC2 expression suggested poor prognosis. MUC2 expression may have prognostic significance in gastric adeno-carcinomas.