Advancements and challenges in gastric cancer: epidemiology, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths globally, with a decreasing but still high number of cases. Although there have been improvements in treatment choices, the expected survival rates have not yet been achieved. In addition to the challenges associated with developing effective therapies, there is an urgent need to establish diagnostic and predictive biomarkers to guide treatment selection. Therefore, this review summarizes key aspects of gastric cancer, including its epidemiology, associated risk factors, and underlying pathogenesis. It also discusses the main biomarkers involved in this disease, such as PD-L1, HER − 2, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Claudin 18.2, FGFR2, and the current standard and targeted therapies. Molecular testing for these changes is gaining significance in the context of gastric cancer. By incorporating detailed biomarker analysis into clinical practice, we can provide more effective and personalized treatment options, ultimately improving clinical management and enhancing survival rates for gastric cancer patients.