Scientists Define Three Subtypes of Gastric Cancer

In the September issue of Gastroenterology, researchers from Centre for Computational Biology at Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School identified three classes of gastric cancer that have their own unique molecular profiles. The scientists studied 248 gastric tumors, then grouped them according to the genes they expressed. The three classifications-labeled “proliferative,” “metabolic,” and “mesenchymal”-showed different genetic mutations, as well as variations in their responses to commonly used therapies. The insights from this study may help clinicians tailor treatment regimens to patients, as well as guide the development of new drugs.