Gastric Cancer Biomarkers Identified Through PIPS-GC Clinical Trial

Strategic Insights -

A new study conducted by Seoul National University has identified a potential biomarker for predicting the response of intraperitoneal paclitaxel chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer peritoneal metastases. The research utilized a clinical trial integrated translational study to analyze biomarkers that can predict patient responses to the chemotherapy treatment. The study found that thrombospondin type 1 domain-containing protein 4 (THSD4) is associated with chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PIPS-GC clinical trial identified THSD4 as a potential biomarker for predicting IP PTX plus systemic SOX response in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis.
  • The study used a clinical trial integrated translational study to analyze biomarkers that can predict patient responses to IP PTX plus systemic SOX chemotherapy.
  • Whole exome and transcriptome sequencing were performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded gastric tumor, normal gastric, and peritoneal tumor tissues to identify candidate genes for predicting IP PTX plus systemic SOX chemotherapy response.
  • Spatial transcriptomic analysis revealed higher expression of THSD4 in peritoneal tumors, which was associated with chemotherapy resistance via midkine and epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathways.
  • The study found that nine patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in the trial, with six in the response group and three in the non-response group.
  • The research concluded that further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism of action by which THSD4 affects GCPM and validate its clinical utility as a predictive biomarker for IP PTX response.
  • The study was conducted at the Korea University Guro Hospital and involved researchers from Seoul National University, including Ki Tae Kim, Won Jun Seo, You-Jin Jang, Yoon Young Choi, and Jong-Han Kim.

Statistics:

  • 9 patients with gastric cancer were enrolled in the PIPS-GC clinical trial.
  • 6 patients in the response group and 3 patients in the non-response group.
  • 9 genes were identified as candidate biomarkers for predicting IP PTX plus systemic SOX chemotherapy response.
  • 6 genes were associated with chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis.

Sources:

  • "Molecular signals associated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis through PIPS GC trial integrated translational research." Scientific Reports, 2025;15(1):35682.
  • NewsRx. Seoul National University Describes Findings in Gastric Cancer (Molecular signals associated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy resistance in gastric cancer with peritoneal metastasis through PIPS GC trial integrated translational research). Cancer Weekly. October 28, 2025; p 2286.