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World J Gastroenterol. Sep 14, 2014; 20(34): 11972-11976
Published online Sep 14, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i34.11972
Microarray analysis in gastric cancer: A review
Giovanna D’Angelo, Teresa Di Rienzo, Veronica Ojetti
Giovanna D’Angelo, Teresa Di Rienzo, Veronica Ojetti, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University, 00168 Rome, Italy
Author contributions: D’Angelo G designed and wrote the article; Di Rienzo T analysed literature data and wrote the paper; Ojetti V designed, draft and revised the article.
Correspondence to: Ojetti Veronica, MD, PhD, Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Catholic University, Largo A Gemelli 1, 00168 Rome, Italy. veronica.ojetti@tin.it
Telephone: +39-6-30156018  Fax: +39-6-30155923
Received: November 17, 2013
Revised: February 27, 2014
Accepted: April 21, 2014
Published online: September 14, 2014
Processing time: 305 Days and 19.5 Hours
Abstract

Gastric cancer is one of the most common tumors worldwide. Although several treatment options have been developed, the mortality rate is increasing. Lymph node involvement is considered the most reliable prognostic indicator in gastric cancer. Early diagnosis improves the survival rate of patients and increases the likelihood of successful treatment. The most reliable diagnostic method is endoscopic examination, however, it is expensive and not feasible in poorer countries. Therefore, many innovative techniques have been studied to develop a new non-invasive screening test and to identify specific serum biomarkers. DNA microarray analysis is one of the new technologies able to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously. It is possible to define the gene expression profile of the tumor and to correlate it with the prognosis and metastasis formation. Several studies in the literature have been published on the role of microarray analysis in gastric cancer and the mechanisms of proliferation and metastasis formation. The aim of this review is to analyze the importance of microarray analysis and its clinical applications to better define the genetic characteristics of gastric cancer and its possible implications in a more decisive treatment.

Keywords: Array; Gastric cancer; Prognosis; Genes; Chemotherapy

Core tip: Gastric cancer remains one of the most common malignancies worldwide and has a poor prognosis. Early diagnosis is a key factor in improving the survival rate. No reliable diagnostic biomarker exists for gastric cancer. DNA microarray analysis is one of the new technologies able to measure the expression levels of a large number of genes simultaneously. Specific genes (differently up- or down-regulated) play an important role in the development and progression of gastric cancer. Another recent application of microarray analysis in gastric cancer is the possible tailoring of personalized chemotherapy.