Molecular and Epidemiological Risk Factors in the Development of Gastric Cancer

The first part of the study will be accomplished by performing molecular testing on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues on retrospectively identified patients with GAC. Germline testing will be done on both retrospectively and prospectively identified cohort of patients with diagnosis of GAC. The second part of the study will be accomplished via survey administration on retrospectively and prospectively identified patients with diagnosis of GAC and to test Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection status, which are known risk factors for the development of GAC, on their FFPE gastric specimen. The data from part 1 and part 2 will be analyzed and correlated. The overall goal of the study is to identify molecular markers and environmental risk factors in GAC unique to Hispanics relative to Non-Hispanics in South Texas, and to define molecular alterations in pre-malignant gastric lesions associated with the development of GAC. The long-term goal is to improve racial disparities by defining prognostic and therapeutic molecular markers and environmental risk factors in Hispanics and ultimately for all patients with GAC. Identification of high-risk molecular markers and environmental factors in the development of GAC will help future deployment of improved prevention and surveillance modalities.