Introduction: Gastric cancer (GC) is a multifactorial disease characterized by various alterations that can differ among patients, contributing to tumor heterogeneity. The matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family includes genes that are modulated during the carcinogenesis. These genes primarily regulate the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are involved in the development and progression of GC. Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the correlations between altered genes from the MMP family and genes across the entire transcriptome, as well as to investigate the protein-protein interactions (PPI) associated with these genes. Methods: For this purpose, samples from patients treated at a reference oncology center in the state of Pará were used. A total of 88 samples were analyzed: 34 paired samples of tumor and adjacent tissue, 15 tumor-only samples, and 5 non-tumor adjacent tissues (CAAE: 10272913.8.0000.0017). Total RNA was extracted using TRIzol® and RNA sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NextSeq platform. Sequencing reads were converted to FASTQ format using Reporter software and subsequently mapped to the hg38 reference genome (GENCODE) using the Salmon tool v.1.5.2. Differential gene expression analysis was performed with the DESeq2 package v.3.14 from RStudio v.4.1.0, comparing tumor vs. adjacent samples and considering genes with a |Log2(Fold-Change)| greater than two and a p-value < 0.05 as differentially expressed (DE). Correlations were assessed using Pearson’s correlation test, via RStudio v.4.1.0, with a threshold of r ? 0.6 considered to be relevant when comparing DE MMPs and other DE genes from tumor samples. The PPI analysis was conducted from the genes selected based on their correlation with the DE MMPs and the hierarchical network was generated in Cytoscape v.3.10.2 using the STRING database. Results: Among the 24 genes of the MMP family, six genes (MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, MMP10, MMP12, and MMP14) were overexpressed in the analyzed samples. Through an extensive analysis, the correlation of the six MMP family genes, with altered expression relative to the control, with other genes across the entire genome was demonstrated. It was shown that MMP2 correlated with the genes CTSK (r=0.6418), GJA1 (r=0.6007), GREM1 (r=0.8117); MMP7 correlated with the genes CTSL (r=0.6049), CTSK (r=0.5467); MMP9 correlated with the genes CTSL (r=0.6661), MMP12 (r=0.6659); and MMP12 correlated with the genes CTSL (r=0.6346), GJA1 (r=0.6007), CSF2 (r=0.6197). Furthermore, the PPI network revealed 20 interactions including 8 proteins: MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, MMP12, CTSK, GJA1, CTSK, and SCF2, showing association mainly with ECM modulation pathways. Conclusion: Altered MMP family is correlated with several genes involved in the modulation of GC, playing an important role in the patient’s biological processes. Therefore, we suggest that this set of genes is associated with proteolysis, particularly in the catabolism of collagen and elastin, as well as in the ECM disassembly, processes modulated by MMPs in GC. However, further assays are required to validate our hypothesis.
It is with great enthusiasm that we present the Annals of the Oncology International Symposium 2025, an event that continues to solidify its significance in the oncology landscape of northern Brazil. Held in Belém, Pará, Oncology 2025 centered around the theme "The cancer control challenge: better knowing it to best facing it," dedicating itself to exploring the latest frontiers in cancer treatment and prevention.
This year, the symposium provided a deep dive into the essential role of knowledge in the fight against cancer, presenting new perspectives and scientific advancements across various areas of oncology. Renowned global experts gathered to share their most recent research and innovative approaches, offering participants a comprehensive view of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals and patients worldwide.
Presentations and discussions during the event focused on critical topics such as the use of new technologies, advancements in personalized therapies, and more effective prevention strategies. Additionally, particular attention was given to the unique challenges faced by the Amazon region, with efforts aimed at developing region-specific solutions to meet local needs.
Beyond being a high-caliber academic event, Oncology 2025 stood out as a moment for integration and professional networking, with the warm hospitality of the city of Belém offering participants a unique experience. This event became a platform for exchanging ideas, where science, culture, and humanity came together in pursuit of a common goal: to improve cancer control both in Brazil and globally.
This collection of abstracts and articles presented during the event reflects the ongoing dedication to research and the development of innovative solutions, highlighting the importance of collaboration and shared knowledge in the fight against cancer.
General Submission Guidelines:
The presenting author, who does not have to be the first author, must be registered for Oncology 2025.
Each abstract may have up to 10 authors, including the main author and co-authors.
Only original, unpublished work will be accepted.
Submissions must be related to oncology. However, project descriptions, work proposals, experience reports, and literature reviews will not be considered.
Clinical case reports are allowed, provided the abstract addresses scientific questions, details clinical observations, and includes primary scientific data.
The abstract must be written in English, but presentations may be given in Portuguese.
Abstracts must be between 300 and 500 words.
Comissão Organizadora
Comissão Científica
See Annals of Oncology 2023 at:
https://www.even3.com.br/anais/oncology-2023-international-symposium/
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