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Adenocarcinoma Gastric

Disease Details

Family Health Simplified

Description
Adenocarcinoma_gastric is a type of cancer that originates in the glandular cells lining the stomach.
Type
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach (gastric adenocarcinoma) is a type of cancer that originates from the glandular cells of the stomach lining.

The type of genetic transmission for gastric adenocarcinoma is generally not hereditary; most cases are sporadic. However, there are hereditary syndromes that increase the risk, such as Hereditary Diffuse Gastric Cancer (HDGC) associated with mutations in the CDH1 gene.
Signs And Symptoms
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach (gastric adenocarcinoma) may present with the following signs and symptoms:

1. **Abdominal Pain**: Often in the upper abdomen, which may be persistent or intermittent.
2. **Unintended Weight Loss**: Significant and unexplained loss of weight.
3. **Nausea and Vomiting**: May be frequent and occasionally vomiting blood.
4. **Loss of Appetite**: Decreased desire to eat or early satiety.
5. **Hematemesis or Melena**: Vomiting blood (hematemesis) or black, tarry stools (melena) indicating gastrointestinal bleeding.
6. **Dysphagia**: Difficulty swallowing, more common with tumors near the gastroesophageal junction.
7. **Fatigue and Weakness**: Often due to anemia from chronic blood loss.
8. **Bloating**: Feeling of fullness after eating small amounts of food.
9. **Palpable Mass**: Sometimes, a mass is felt in the upper abdomen.

Early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma might have subtle or no symptoms, which often leads to a delay in diagnosis.
Prognosis
The prognosis for gastric adenocarcinoma can vary widely based on several factors, including the stage at diagnosis, the tumor location, the patient's overall health, and the response to treatment. Generally, early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma has a better prognosis compared to more advanced stages. Early detection and treatment are key for improved survival rates. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for gastric adenocarcinoma ranges from about 30% to 50% for early-stage disease, but it drops significantly for later stages.
Onset
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, commonly referred to as gastric cancer, typically develops over many years, often beginning with changes in the mucosal cells lining the stomach. There is no specific age of onset, but it is more common in older adults, with a peak incidence typically occurring between the ages of 60 and 80. The development is often insidious, with early stages generally asymptomatic or presenting with nonspecific symptoms like indigestion or mild discomfort. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, diet high in salted or smoked foods, chronic gastritis, and certain genetic predispositions.
Prevalence
The prevalence of gastric adenocarcinoma, a type of stomach cancer, varies significantly across different regions. Globally, it is more common in East Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, South Korea, and China. It is considered less common in Western countries. The global incidence rates are estimated to be around 1 in 100,000 people per year, but this number can rise to over 20 in 100,000 people per year in high-incidence regions.
Epidemiology
Gastric adenocarcinoma is the most common type of stomach cancer. Epidemiologically, it varies significantly by geographic region. Incidence is highest in East Asia, particularly in countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It is less common in Western countries but still poses a significant health concern. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, dietary factors (such as high salt intake and consumption of smoked or pickled foods), smoking, and genetic susceptibility. The disease predominantly affects older adults, with a higher prevalence in men compared to women.
Intractability
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma, can be challenging to treat, particularly if detected at a late stage. The intractability of the disease often depends on various factors including the stage at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the specific characteristics of the tumor. Early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma may be more effectively treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy. Advanced stages often have a poorer prognosis and are more difficult to manage, sometimes rendering the disease intractable. Early detection is crucial for more effective treatment options.
Disease Severity
Adenocarcinoma of the gastric, commonly known as stomach cancer, varies in disease severity based on factors like the stage at diagnosis, tumor location, and patient health. Early-stage gastric adenocarcinoma may be asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms, while advanced stages often present with severe symptoms and a worse prognosis. The severity typically ranges from localized (stage I) to metastatic disease (stage IV), with treatment options and survival rates significantly differing across stages.
Healthcare Professionals
Disease Ontology ID - DOID:3717
Pathophysiology
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, or gastric adenocarcinoma, is a malignancy that originates from the glandular cells of the stomach lining.

Pathophysiology:
1. **Chronic Inflammation:** Chronic gastritis, commonly due to Helicobacter pylori infection, initiates a background of chronic inflammation, leading to atrophic gastritis.
2. **Genetic Mutations:** Accumulation of genetic alterations in oncogenes (e.g., HER2) and tumor suppressor genes (e.g., p53) contributes to cellular dysplasia.
3. **Intestinal Metaplasia:** Damaged gastric mucosa undergoes metaplasia, where gastric epithelium transforms into an intestinal-like epithelium, increasing cancer susceptibility.
4. **Progressive Dysplasia:** This metaplastic tissue can progress to low-grade and high-grade dysplasia before evolving into invasive adenocarcinoma.
5. **Tumor Growth:** Invasive adenocarcinoma then proliferates, often invading the stomach wall layers and potentially metastasizing to lymph nodes, liver, and other organs.

Adenocarcinoma_gastric involves a series of molecular and histological changes over time, typically driven by chronic inflammation and genetic mutations.
Carrier Status
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach (gastric adenocarcinoma) is not typically associated with a "carrier status," as it is generally not a disease passed down through simple genetic inheritance like some other conditions. Instead, the risk factors for developing gastric adenocarcinoma often include a combination of environmental influences, lifestyle factors (such as diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption), and certain genetic predispositions. Some hereditary conditions, like hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC) linked to mutations in the CDH1 gene, can increase the risk, but these are relatively rare. Therefore, carrier status is not typically applicable to most cases of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Mechanism
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, or gastric adenocarcinoma, involves several mechanisms and molecular pathways:

1. **Mechanism:**
- **Chronic Inflammation:** Long-standing inflammation, often due to Helicobacter pylori infection, leads to atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia, setting the stage for dysplasia and adenocarcinoma.
- **Genetic Mutations:** Accumulation of genetic alterations in gastric epithelial cells, including mutations in oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and DNA mismatch repair genes.
- **Environmental Factors:** Diet (e.g., high salt, smoked foods), smoking, and alcohol consumption are contributing factors.

2. **Molecular Mechanisms:**
- **Oncogenes:** Activation of oncogenes such as KRAS, c-MET, and HER2, which promote cellular proliferation and survival.
- **Tumor Suppressor Genes:** Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes like p53, APC, and CDH1 (encoding E-cadherin), leading to loss of cell cycle control and increased invasiveness.
- **Epigenetic Changes:** DNA methylation and histone modifications that result in the silencing of tumor suppressor genes.
- **Signal Transduction Pathways:** Aberrations in pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and TGF-β signaling, contributing to increased cell proliferation, invasion, and metastasis.
- **DNA Mismatch Repair Deficiency:** Lynch syndrome-associated mutations in mismatch repair genes (e.g., MLH1, MSH2) leading to microsatellite instability.

These mechanisms collectively contribute to the initiation, progression, and metastasis of gastric adenocarcinoma.
Treatment
Gastric adenocarcinoma, or stomach cancer, is typically treated with a combination of therapies depending on the stage and specific circumstances of the disease. Common treatments include:

1. Surgery: Often the first line of treatment, it involves the removal of part or all of the stomach (gastrectomy) and nearby lymph nodes.
2. Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. It can be administered before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to eliminate remaining cancer cells.
3. Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. Often combined with chemotherapy (chemoradiation).
4. Targeted Therapy: Involves drugs that specifically target cancer cell mechanisms. An example is trastuzumab for HER2-positive gastric cancer.
5. Immunotherapy: Utilizes the body's immune system to fight cancer. Drugs like pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, have shown efficacy in certain cases.

Treatment plans are often personalized based on genetic markers, stage of the cancer, patient's overall health, and response to therapy. Multidisciplinary teams including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists collaboratively decide the best approach.
Compassionate Use Treatment
For gastric adenocarcinoma, compassionate use treatments and off-label or experimental treatments may include:

1. **Immunotherapy**: Agents such as pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) have shown promise, particularly in tumors expressing PD-L1.

2. **Targeted Therapy**: Experimental use of drugs targeting HER2 (like trastuzumab), VEGF (such as ramucirumab), and MET inhibitors.

3. **Combination Therapy**: Investigations into combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapy are ongoing.

4. **Gene Therapy**: Experimental approaches aim to target genetic mutations associated with gastric adenocarcinoma.

5. **Novel Chemotherapeutics**: New chemotherapeutic agents or combinations under clinical investigation.

Patients interested in these treatments should consult with their oncologist and explore clinical trial options.
Lifestyle Recommendations
For gastric adenocarcinoma, here are some lifestyle recommendations that may help reduce the risk or aid in management:

1. **Diet:**
- Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limit intake of smoked, salted, and pickled foods, as these can increase risk.
- Avoid excessive consumption of red and processed meats.

2. **Avoid Tobacco:**
- Do not use tobacco products. Smoking increases the risk of many cancers, including gastric cancer.

3. **Alcohol Consumption:**
- Limit alcohol intake, as excessive drinking can increase the risk of gastric cancer.

4. **Weight Management:**
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and regular physical activity. Obesity can increase the risk of various cancers.

5. **Infection Control:**
- Treat Helicobacter pylori infections, as this bacterium is associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer.

6. **Regular Medical Checkups:**
- Participate in regular check-ups and screenings, especially if you have risk factors like family history or are experiencing symptoms such as prolonged stomach pain, weight loss, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

7. **Stress Management:**
- Engage in stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies to maintain overall well-being.

These recommendations can help in prevention as well as in managing the condition more effectively if already diagnosed. Always consult healthcare providers for personalized advice.
Medication
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma, may be treated with several medications, often as part of a broader treatment plan that includes surgery and possibly radiation therapy. Common chemotherapy drugs used include:

1. **5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)**: Often used in combination with other drugs.
2. **Capecitabine**: An oral prodrug of 5-FU.
3. **Cisplatin**: Frequently combined with other chemotherapy agents.
4. **Oxaliplatin**: Another platinum-based drug often used in combination.
5. **Paclitaxel**: Sometimes used in chemotherapeutic regimens.
6. **Docetaxel**: Another taxane used similarly to paclitaxel.

Targeted therapies may also be used:
1. **Trastuzumab**: For tumors that overexpress the HER2 protein.
2. **Ramucirumab**: An angiogenesis inhibitor.

These medications are selected based on the specific characteristics of the tumor and the patient’s overall health status. Always consult with an oncology specialist for the most appropriate and personalized treatment plan.
Repurposable Drugs
Repurposable drugs for gastric adenocarcinoma include:

1. **Metformin**: Originally used for Type 2 diabetes, it's being explored for its potential anti-cancer properties.
2. **Statins**: Used primarily for lowering cholesterol, statins might have anti-cancer effects.
3. **Aspirin**: As an anti-inflammatory and blood thinner, ongoing research investigates its potential in cancer prevention and treatment.
4. **Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs)**: Commonly used to treat acid-related disorders, some studies suggest they might enhance the effects of certain chemotherapy drugs.
5. **Celecoxib**: A COX-2 inhibitor typically used for arthritis that is being studied for its potential role in cancer therapy.

It is important to consult healthcare professionals before considering any drug repurposing for cancer treatment.
Metabolites
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma, can influence the levels of various metabolites in the body. Key metabolites associated with this condition include:

1. **Lactic Acid**: Frequently elevated due to anaerobic glycolysis in cancer cells (Warburg effect).
2. **Amino Acids**: Altered levels of amino acids such as glutamine, serine, and glycine are observed.
3. **Lipids**: Changes in lipid metabolism, including phospholipids and triglycerides.
4. **Nucleotides**: Increased turnover of nucleotides like ATP and GTP, reflecting heightened cellular activity.
5. **Glucose**: Elevated glucose consumption by tumor cells.

Monitoring these metabolites can provide insights into the metabolic alterations induced by gastric adenocarcinoma and assist in disease management.
Nutraceuticals
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma, is a type of cancer that originates from the glandular cells of the stomach lining. In terms of nutraceuticals, there’s ongoing research but limited conclusive evidence to suggest that certain dietary supplements might aid in prevention or management. Nutraceuticals such as curcumin, green tea extract, and resveratrol are being studied for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which could potentially help in adjunctive treatment strategies.

However, it’s crucial to consult with healthcare providers before using any nutraceuticals due to the risk of interactions and side effects.

Regarding the involvement of nanotechnology (nan), it holds promising potential in the diagnosis and treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver chemotherapy drugs directly to cancer cells, thereby minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing side effects. Additionally, nanotechnology is being explored for better imaging techniques, early detection, and targeted therapy.

Both nutraceuticals and nanotechnology are areas of active research, and while they offer exciting possibilities, clinical applications are still evolving.
Peptides
Adenocarcinoma of the stomach, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma, is a type of cancer that starts in the glandular cells of the stomach lining. Peptides have been investigated for their role in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for gastric adenocarcinoma. Peptide-based vaccines and peptide inhibitors are areas of active research, attempting to improve the precision and efficacy of treatment while minimizing side effects.

Nanotechnology (nan) in gastric adenocarcinoma involves the use of nanoscale materials for improved diagnosis and treatment. Nanoparticles can be engineered to deliver drugs directly to tumor cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles can also enhance imaging techniques, aiding in early detection and accurate staging of the disease.