Advancements in targeted therapy for gastric cancer.

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) ranks among the most prevalent malignancies of the gastrointestinal system. For patients with advanced-stage disease undergoing surgical resection, postoperative 5-year survival rates remain critically low, typically below 20%. Contemporary therapeutic strategies encompass surgical intervention, cytotoxic chemotherapy, immune checkpoint blockade, and molecularly-targeted agents. Targeted therapeutics exert their effects by exploiting molecular vulnerabilities such as human epidermal growth factor receptor-2, Claudin 18.2, vascular endothelial growth factor/vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, fibroblast growth factor receptor 2, and N6-methyladenosine modification pathways, thereby suppressing tumor proliferation and offering improved clinical outcomes for advanced GC. These agents demonstrate significant potential in extending overall survival durations, underscoring their translational value and substantial research implications. This comprehensive review delineates recent advancements in GC-targeted therapies to inform precision oncology paradigms and guide future drug discovery initiatives.