Circulating Exosomes As Potential Prognostic And Predictive Biomarkers In Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients ("EXO-PPP Study")

Circulating Exosomes As Potential Prognostic And Predictive Biomarkers In Advanced Gastric Cancer Patients: A Prospective Observational Study ("EXO-PPP Study")

Exosomes are formed by inward budding of late endosomes, producing multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and are released into the environment by fusion of the MVBs with the plasma membrane. It has been demonstrated that the content and function of exosomes depends on the originating cell and the conditions under which they are produced. Tumor exosome production, transfer and education of bone marrow cells supports tumor growth and metastasis.

In this prospective translational study, preclinical and clinical phases have been designed. On the first step, the main goal is to characterize the molecular profile of gastric cancer derived exosomes. This exosome biosignature may provide a useful diagnostic tool. As a second step, the study will evaluate the prognostic and predictive value of gastric cancer exosomes levels in plasma and kinetics in a prospectively recruited cohort of advanced gastric cancer patients during first-line chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

Subjects eligible for enrollment must meet all of the following criteria:

1. Provide signed informed consent. The subject is capable of understanding and complying with parameters as outlined in the protocol and able to sign informed consent, approved by the Independent Ethic Committee (IEC)/Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to the initiation of any study-specific procedures
2. Men or women aged >= 18 years.
3. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG) <= 2.
4. Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the stomach, gastroesophageal junction or esophagus.
5. Metastatic disease or locally advanced disease not amenable to curative surgery.
6. Radiographically assessable, non-measurable disease or measurable disease as per RECIST criteria.
7. Life expectancy of at least 12 weeks from the time of enrollment.
8. No other malignancy within the past 5 years except adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer or carcinoma in situ of the cervix.
9. No prior chemotherapy for advanced disease.

Exclusion Criteria:

Subjects meeting any of the following criteria must not be enrolled in the study:

1. Gastric carcinoid, sarcomas, or squamous cell cancer.
2. Pregnant or lactating females.
3. Significant neurological or psychiatric disorders (psychotic disorders, dementia or seizures) that would prohibit the understanding and giving of informed consent.
4. Active Hepatitis B or C or history of an HIV infection.
5. Active uncontrolled infection.