How Epigenetic Changes in hMLH1 Connect Lab Research With Diagnosis in Gastric Cancer

Launched by FONDAZIONE POLICLINICO UNIVERSITARIO AGOSTINO GEMELLI IRCCS · May 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how certain changes in the DNA of gastric cancer cells, specifically related to the hMLH1 gene, may help improve our understanding of the disease. Researchers are particularly interested in a condition called hypermethylation, which can affect how genes function and may play a role in the development of gastric cancer. By studying these changes, the trial aims to identify risk factors linked to this type of cancer and how these factors might influence responses to chemotherapy. The ultimate goal is to find better ways to predict which patients might benefit from specific treatments.

To participate in this study, individuals should have undergone surgery for gastric cancer between January 2017 and August 2023 at a specific hospital. They must also have had certain tests done to evaluate their cancer at the time of surgery. This trial is currently recruiting participants of all genders, aged 65 to 74, who meet these criteria. If eligible, participants can expect to contribute to important research that could lead to better treatment strategies for gastric cancer in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients who underwent elective gastrectomy for Stage I-IV gastric cancer.
• • Surgery performed at the General Surgery Unit of Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS.
• • Procedures conducted between January 2017 and August 2023.
• • Only patients who have already undergone immunohistochemistry evaluation for expression of the components of the MMR complex (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6).
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • - Patients with missing immunohistochemistry evaluation for the expression of the components of the MMR complex (MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6).