Introduction: Gastric cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide, while in the state of Pará, it is the second most frequent. Factors contributing to this high incidence include late diagnosis and tumor heterogeneity. Genes from the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family also play a role in the development and progression of gastric cancer, particularly in the modulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Objectives: we aimed to investigate the expression profile of genes from the MMP family and their association with clinicopathological factors in gastric cancer patients from the state of Pará. 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 its integrity was evaluated with the 2200 TapeStation System (Agilent Technologies). RNA sequencing was conducted on the Illumina NextSeq platform (USA). Sequencing reads were converted to FASTQ format using Reporter software and subsequently mapped to the hg38 reference genome (GENCODE) using the Salmon tool. Differential gene expression analysis was performed with the DESeq2 package, considering genes with a [Log2(Fold-Change)] greater than two and a p-value < 0.05 as differentially expressed. For the survival analysis, deaths occurring within 30 days after surgery (n = 5) were excluded to reduce the impact of confounding factors on survival outcomes. The Survminer v0.4.9 package was used to dichotomize hub gene expression levels. Survival curves with statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were assessed using the log-rank test in the Survival package v3.2-13. Results: Of the 24 MMP family genes, six (MMP2, MMP7, MMP9, MMP10, MMP12, and MMP14) were found to be overexpressed in the analyzed samples. For the analysis of clinicopathological characteristics, only differentially expressed MMPs were considered. No significant differences in MMP gene expression were observed between intestinal-type and diffuse-type tumors. Patients who did not undergo adjuvant therapy showed higher expression of MMP12 (adjusted p = 0.049) compared to those who received neoadjuvant therapy. Additionally, patients without H. pylori infection exhibited higher expression of the MMP7 gene (adjusted p = 0.04) compared to those with H. pylori presence. No significant differences in MMP gene expression were observed across different disease stages. Moreover, high expression of MMP14 (p = 0.021) was potentially associated with poorer patient survival. Conclusion: This study highlights significant alterations in six genes from the MMP family among patients with gastric cancer (GC). Moreover, a notable association was found between the presence of H. pylori in GC tissues and increased expression of MMP7, as well as between high MMP14 expression and reduced patient survival. These expression changes may play a critical role in tumor progression and metastasis. However, more comprehensive studies are necessary. The heterogeneity of GC requires a larger sample size to thoroughly understand the impact of altered MMP gene expression on patient prognosis.
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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