OncoTargets and Therapy (May 2020)
Current Molecular Targeted Agents for Advanced Gastric Cancer
Abstract
Shanshan Nie,1 Guoping Yang,1 Hongwei Lu2,3 1Center for Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Cardiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of China; 3Center for Experimental Medical Research, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People’s Republic of ChinaCorrespondence: Guoping Yang; Hongwei LuThe Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Yinpenling Street, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410013, People’s Republic of ChinaTel/Fax +86-731-88618626Email [email protected]; [email protected]: Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of malignant tumor-related mortality worldwide. Traditional cytotoxic agents prolong the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with advanced gastric cancer (AGC) compared to that with best supportive care. Due to the occurrence of serious adverse drug reactions that result in discontinued treatment, the survival benefit in AGC remains unsatisfactory. Systemic chemotherapy regimens have changed greatly, especially since the introduction of trastuzumab. Nevertheless, HER2 positivity is present in only approximately 20% of tumors. Due to the genetic heterogeneity and complexity of patients, there are many studies in progress that are exploring novel targeted drugs as an alternative to chemotherapy or adjuvant treatment in early-stage, progressive, and advanced gastric cancer. On the basis of the differences in gene expression profiles among patients, searching for specific and sensitive predictive biomarkers is important for identifying patients who will benefit from a specific targeted drug. With the development of targeted therapies and available chemotherapeutic drugs, there is no doubt that, over time, more patients will achieve better survival outcomes. Recently, immune checkpoint blockade has been well developed as a promising anticancer strategy. This review outlines the currently available information on clinically tested molecular targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors for AGC to provide support for decision-making in clinical practice.Keywords: advanced gastric cancer, molecular targeted drugs, immune checkpoint blockade
