Circulating Cell-free Tumor Nucleic Acids in Gastric Cancer

Lee, Hyun Ji; Lee, Sun Min

doi:2018.18.3.168

Korean J Helicobacter Up Gastrointest Res > Volume 18(3); 2018 > Article

Review

The Korean Journal of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research 2018;18(3):168-173.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7704/kjhugr.2018.18.3.168 Published online September 10, 2018.

Circulating Cell-free Tumor Nucleic Acids in Gastric Cancer

Hyun Ji Lee, Sun Min Lee

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Korea. yaong97@paran.com

위암에서의 순환종양핵산

이현지, 이선민

양산부산대학교병원 진단검사의학과

Correspondence: Sun Min Lee, Tel: +82-55-360-2851, Fax: +82-55-360-1880,
Email: yaong97@paran.com

Received: 6 April 2018 • Revised: 5 June 2018 • Accepted: 6 June 2018

Abstract

Gastric cancer is still the leading cause of cancer deaths, especially in Asian countries. Recently, many studies have analyzed cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) circulating in the blood, for the early diagnosis of cancer and monitoring its progression. Circulating tumor nucleic acids (ctNAs) originate in a tumor and contain tumor-related genetic or epigenetic alterations. This review defines the nomenclatures of each form of cfNAs and describes the characteristics of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and microRNA (miRNA), two major forms of ctNAs studied in gastric cancer research to date. We compare available studies on ctDNA, and explain trends observed in studies of miRNAs in gastric cancers. As these new blood-based biomarkers have attracted increasing attention, we have discussed several important points to be considered before the clinical translation of ctNA detection. We have also discussed the current status of research in this field, and clinical applications of specific ctNAs as tumor markers for gastric cancer diagnosis.

Key Words: Cell-free nucleic acids; Circulating microRNA; Circulating tumor DNA; Liquid biopsy; Stomach neoplasms