Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in locally advanced gastric cancer and identification of spatially predictive biomarkers associated with beneficial neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy - Report - MDSpire

Characterization of the tumor microenvironment in locally advanced gastric cancer and identification of spatially predictive biomarkers associated with beneficial neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy

  • By

  • Xiaohong Xu

  • Jun Fan

  • Li Peng

  • Zhengkai Xiang

  • Danju Luo

  • Chenggong Ma

  • Bo Huang

  • Xiu Nie

  • Xiaochuan Dong

  • May 14, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Analysis of the Tumor Microenvironment in Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer

Overview

This study identifies spatial biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment that correlate with responses to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer. Key findings include the association of NOTUM, SERPINA3, and CD8+ T cell density with major pathological response.

Background

Locally advanced gastric cancer (LAGC) poses significant treatment challenges due to its late-stage diagnosis and variable responses to neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nICT). The identification of reliable predictive biomarkers is essential for optimizing treatment strategies and improving patient outcomes. Understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial, as it influences therapeutic effectiveness and can guide personalized immunotherapy approaches.

Data Highlights

BiomarkerCorrelation with MPR
NOTUMPositive
SERPINA3Positive
CD8+ T cell infiltrationPositive
Treg/CD3+ ratioNegative

Key Findings

  • Spatial profiling revealed distinct transcriptional patterns in tumor-core and immune cell infiltration zones.
  • High expression of NOTUM, NKD1, and SERPINA3 is linked to major pathological response (MPR).
  • Increased CD8+ T cell infiltration correlates with better treatment outcomes.
  • A six-gene signature associated with survival was identified in TCGA-STAD data.
  • Validation of biomarkers was achieved through immunohistochemistry in a separate cohort.

Clinical Implications

The identification of spatial biomarkers such as NOTUM and SERPINA3 can aid clinicians in predicting responses to nICT in LAGC patients. Enhanced understanding of the TME may facilitate more personalized treatment strategies, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Conclusion

This research underscores the importance of spatial analysis of the tumor microenvironment in identifying predictive biomarkers for neoadjuvant immunotherapy in locally advanced gastric cancer. Further studies are warranted to validate these findings and integrate them into clinical practice.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Aung et al, Clinical Cancer Research, 2024 -- Novel Spatial Gene-Signature Approach May Help to Predict Immunotherapy Outcomes in Patients With Melanoma
  2. Acta Neuropathologica, 2023 -- Immune Profiling in Glioblastoma Reveals an Inflammatory Perivascular Subtype Linked to Improved Survival Outcomes
  3. Gastric Cancer, 2023 -- Significance of PD-1 Expressing CD8 T-Cells in the Context of Gastric Cancer
  4. Journal of Gastroenterology, 2013 -- A gene expression signature linked to immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment correlates with unfavorable outcomes in gastric adenocarcinoma
  5. Gastric Cancer, Version 2.2025, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology - PubMed
  6. The ASCO Post, 2024 -- Perioperative Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Cancer
  7. Tremelimumab and durvalumab as neoadjuvant or non-operative management strategy of patients with microsatellite instability-high resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: the INFINITY study by GONO - PubMed
  8. Gastric Cancer, Version 2.2025, NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology - PubMed
  9. Perioperative Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy in Locally Advanced Gastric/Gastroesophageal Cancer - The ASCO Post
  10. Tremelimumab and durvalumab as neoadjuvant or non-operative management strategy of patients with microsatellite instability-high resectable gastric or gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma: the INFINITY study by GONO - PubMed

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