Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Gastric cancer exhibits significant molecular differences across racial and ethnic groups, influencing prognosis and treatment response. This study aimed to compare the molecular characteristics of gastric cancer between Asian and White populations using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: TCGA data for gastric cancer patients were analyzed to identify differences in genetic mutations, copy number variations, and transcriptomic profiles between Asian and White populations. Bioinformatics tools and statistical analyses were used to assess molecular alterations and pathway enrichment. RESULTS: Distinct molecular patterns were observed between the two populations. Asian patients exhibited a higher prevalence of mutations in genes such as TP53 and ARID1A, while White patients showed increased alterations in KRAS and PIK3CA. Differences in immune-related gene expression and tumor microenvironment signatures were also noted, suggesting potential implications for targeted therapies and immunotherapy response. CONCLUSION: Significant molecular differences exist in gastric cancer between Asian and White populations, showing the need for population-specific treatment strategies. These findings may inform personalized therapeutic approaches and contribute to the advancement of precision oncology.