Fluorescence-Guided Surgery Shows Promise for Gastric Cancer Treatment

Researchers at the University of Florence, Italy, have made significant advancements in the treatment of gastric cancer using fluorescence-guided surgery. According to the study, published in the journal Biomedicines, the team focused on developing a fluorescent molecule that can selectively target tumor tissues, enabling real-time detection of tumor nodules and visualization of tumor margins. The researchers identified carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule-5 (CEACAM5) as an optimal biomarker for gastric cancer and developed a fluorescent antibody specific for CEACAM5. The study's findings suggest that this fluorescent molecule could improve the accuracy of complete tumor resection.

Key Takeaways:

• Researchers at the University of Florence identified CEACAM5 as an optimal biomarker for gastric cancer, allowing for more accurate detection of tumor tissues.
• A fluorescent molecule targeting CEACAM5 was developed, enabling real-time detection of tumor nodules and visualization of tumor margins.
• The study demonstrated that the fluorescent molecule achieved an optimal ability to discriminate tumor tissue from healthy mucosa.
• The findings support the development of the fluorescent antibody as a promising tumor-specific imaging agent.
• The study's results could improve the accuracy of complete tumor resection during surgery.
• The research team consisted of Serena Martinelli, Sara Peri, Cecilia Anceschi, Anna Laurenzana, Laura Fortuna, Tommaso Mello, Laura Naldi, Giada Marroncini, Jacopo Tricomi, Alessio Biagioni, Amedeo Amedei, Fabio Cianchi.

Statistics:

• Gastric cancer is responsible for about one million new cases each year globally (Source: NewsRx).
• Surgery is the main treatment for gastric cancer, but achieving radical resection remains a relevant intraoperative challenge (Source: Biomedicines).
• It is estimated that about one million people die from gastric cancer annually worldwide.
• The study was funded by the European Union Through The Next Generation Eu Project.

Sources:

• NewsRx. Researchers' Work from University of Florence Focuses on Gastric Cancer (Targeting CEACAM5: Biomarker Characterization and Fluorescent Probe Labeling for Image-Guided Gastric Cancer Surgery). Cancer Weekly. September 9, 2025; p 1014.
• Biomedicines (Journal). Targeting CEACAM5: Biomarker Characterization and Fluorescent Probe Labeling for Image-Guided Gastric Cancer Surgery. (2025,13(8):1812.

( DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines13081812)

• European Union Through The Next Generation Eu Project.