The Role of Methionine Restriction in Gastric Cancer: A Summary of Mechanisms and a Discussion on Tumor Heterogeneity

Abstract

Gastric cancer is ranked as the fifth most prevalent cancer globally and has long been a topic of passionate discussion among numerous individuals. However, the incidence of gastric cancer in society has not decreased, but instead has shown a gradual increase in recent years. For more than a decade, the treatment effect of gastric cancer has not been significantly improved. This is attributed to the heterogeneity of cancer, which makes popular targeted therapies ineffective. Methionine is an essential amino acid, and many studies have shown that it is involved in the development of gastric cancer. Our study aimed to review the literature on methionine and gastric cancer, describing its mechanism of action to show that tumor heterogeneity in gastric cancer does not hinder the effectiveness of methionine-restricted therapies. This research also aimed to provide insight into the inhibition of gastric cancer through metabolic reprogramming with methionine-restricted therapies, thereby demonstrating their potential as adjuvant treatments for gastric cancer.

Helicobacter pylori Infection in Patients with Gastric Cancer: A 2024 Update

“…[48] Methionine-restricted therapies have been shown to inhibit GC. [49] In H. pylori-eradicated individuals, the use of PCABs was linked to a greater risk of GC, with effects according to dosage and duration. [50] Optimal eradication effectiveness (>90%) is mostly achieved with bismuth-and non-bismuth-based quadruple therapies.…”

“…The outcome of treatment for GC has not changed appreciably for more than ten years. Methionine-restricted therapies have been shown to inhibit GC through metabolic reprogramming, indicating their potential as adjuvant treatments for this disease [ 49 ]. A greater incidence of GC was strongly correlated with longer potassium-competitive acid blocker (PCAB) use and high-dose PCAB use.…”