Cancers of the stomach and esophagus, can also collectively be referred to as gastroesophageal or esophagogastric cancer. Gastric cancer incidence varies throughout the world, with a higher frequency in some countries-perhaps due to different diets or other factors. Esophageal cancers are more common in men than in women. Both alcohol use and tobacco use are associated with a higher risk of developing gastric or esophageal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) data, 16,940 men and 15,690 women were projected to be diagnosed with gastric cancer in the United States in 2017.
Most cancers involving the esophagus or stomach are either squamous cell cancer (SCC) or adenocarcinoma. Gastric and esophageal cancers tend to develop slowly over many years in the inner mucosal layer of the stomach or esophagus. These early changes rarely cause symptoms, and therefore frequently go undetected. As esophageal and gastric cancers become more advanced, symptoms become more apparent. Once symptoms bring a patient to a doctor for medical attention, the diagnosis can be made. Thorough diagnostics are available at the MGH, initially involving an endoscopic biopsy, which is used to definitively diagnose the cancer by experienced Pathologists. Subsequent to a confirmed diagnosis, it is important to stage the cancer which includes in-depth pathology analysis, as well as a radiographic imaging procedure such as CT or PET scan. Often lymph nodes near the cancer are analysed to insure the cancer has not spread.
There has been a growing interest in the molecular features of esophageal and gastric cancers, as genetic alterations in these cancers have been identified in patients. Some genes that have been found to be involved in these two cancer types are mutations or amplification of the genes that encode HER2, MET or EGFR. Other genetic alterations have also been identified. Testing for these genetic alterations is performed in the genetics lab of the MGH, enabling physicians to utilize targeted therapies tailored for individual tumors. Treatment options for esophageal and gastric cancers are available at the MGH Cancer Center, as well as Clinical Trials testing new treatments for patients with this diagnosis.
Source: National Cancer Institute, 2018
Cancers of the stomach and esophagus, can also collectively be referred to as gastroesophageal or esophagogastric cancer. Gastric cancer incidence varies throughout the world, with a higher frequency in some countries-perhaps due to different diets or other factors. Esophageal cancers are more common in men than in women. Both alcohol use and tobacco use are associated with a higher risk of developing gastric or esophageal cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) data, 16,940 men and 15,690 women were projected to be diagnosed with gastric cancer in the United States in 2017.
Most cancers involving the esophagus or stomach are either squamous cell cancer (SCC) or adenocarcinoma. Gastric and esophageal cancers tend to develop slowly over many years in the inner mucosal layer of the stomach or esophagus. These early changes rarely cause symptoms, and therefore frequently go undetected. As esophageal and gastric cancers become more advanced, symptoms become more apparent. Once symptoms bring a patient to a doctor for medical attention, the diagnosis can be made. Thorough diagnostics are available at the MGH, initially involving an endoscopic biopsy, which is used to definitively diagnose the cancer by experienced Pathologists. Subsequent to a confirmed diagnosis, it is important to stage the cancer which includes in-depth pathology analysis, as well as a radiographic imaging procedure such as CT or PET scan. Often lymph nodes near the cancer are analysed to insure the cancer has not spread.
There has been a growing interest in the molecular features of esophageal and gastric cancers, as genetic alterations in these cancers have been identified in patients. Some genes that have been found to be involved in these two cancer types are mutations or amplification of the genes that encode HER2, MET or EGFR. Other genetic alterations have also been identified. Testing for these genetic alterations is performed in the genetics lab of the MGH, enabling physicians to utilize targeted therapies tailored for individual tumors. Treatment options for esophageal and gastric cancers are available at the MGH Cancer Center, as well as Clinical Trials testing new treatments for patients with this diagnosis.
Source: National Cancer Institute, 2018
CLICK IMAGE FOR MORE INFORMATIONThe MET gene encodes for a protein known as the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor and belongs to the family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). RTKs are the first link in a chain that sends signals from the outside of a cell to the parts inside the cell that control different cellular processes, such as cell division, cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell migration. The HGF receptor is activated when another protein, HGF growth factor, attaches (binds) to it. The activated HGF receptor then activates other proteins inside the cell, leading to activation of a series of signaling pathways. One of these pathways (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK) helps cells become able to perform specific tasks. Another pathway (PI3K/AKT/mTOR) helps cells survive. Signaling along these pathways is important for the development of a baby in its very early (embryonic) stage, and for the development of muscles, nerves, blood vessels and kidneys.
Defects in the MET gene are a cause of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), a form of kidney cancer (papillary renal cell carcinoma) and stomach (gastric) cancer.
Source: Genetics Home Reference
MET encodes for the receptor tyrosine kinase hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor. The HGF receptor is activated by HGF growth factor and signals primarily through the MAP kinase cascade (RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK), thereby driving proliferation and cell survival. In adults, MET gene amplification has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, papillary renal cell carcinoma and gastric cancer.
Source: Genetics Home Reference
Gene Amplification of MET has been observed in gastric and esophageal cancers. As described above, this leads to an amount of MET protein in cells that cannot be correctly regulated.
Gene Amplification of MET has been observed in gastric and esophageal cancers. As described above, this leads to an amount of MET protein in cells that cannot be correctly regulated.
The mutation of a gene provides clinicians with a very detailed look at your cancer. Knowing this information could change the course of your care. To learn how you can find out more about genetic testing please visit
http://www.massgeneral.org/cancer/news/faq.aspx or contact the Cancer Center.