SAN DIEGO—Investigators have identified four genes with mutations linked to the development and progression of gastric cancers, providing potential options for targeted therapies to treat these cancers, according to new research presented at DDW 2025.

Ulysses Ribeiro, MD, PhD, of the Instituto do Câncer do Estado de São Paulo, in Brazil, and his co-investigators conducted a gene sequencing study in a Brazilian population of Latin and European ancestry and found genetic mutations that are associated with a more severe form of gastric cancer and a lower chance of survival.

The researchers evaluated 21 genes found in tumor samples from 87 patients with stomach cancer from São Paulo Cancer Institute who received treatment for the disease and went into remission. They found that mutations in four genes-BRCA2, CDH1, RHOA and TP53-were linked to a return of stomach cancers after remission and a higher risk for death. 

Dr. Ribeiro said he and his team are working on matching these genetic markers with immunohistochemistry tests to assess proteins produced by genes. In the future, he said, this approach could provide a more straightforward and cheaper way to screen patients for stomach cancer and high-risk gene mutations. This could allow clinicians to implement more effective treatments in patients with mutations and less invasive options for those who have the highest likelihood of recovery.

Calling this study a “foundation for further research,” Dr. Ribeiro said “these findings move us closer to more personalized treatment based on each tumor’s biology.” 

—Karen Fischer