Molecular targets in gastric cancer for nanomedicine therapeutics: mechanistic insights and translational progress

INTRODUCTION: Gastric cancer remains a leading cause of cancer mortality due to late diagnosis, aggressive progression, and limited treatment response. Nanomedicine offers promising avenues to exploit molecular targets and improve therapeutic precision. Engineered nanoparticles with tunable physicochemical properties enable targeted delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and deeper tumor penetration. Understanding key molecular drivers of gastric cancer is essential for designing effective nanotherapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes major molecular targets relevant to nanomedicine development in gastric cancer, including HER2, VEGF/VEGFR, immune checkpoints, and tumor microenvironmental components. Advances in lipid-based, polymeric, and inorganic nanocarriers are discussed with emphasis on ligand-mediated targeting, overcoming drug resistance, modulating intracellular trafficking, and exploiting tumor-specific biomarkers. Progress in nanotechnology-enabled imaging, early detection platforms, and multifunctional theranostic systems that combine diagnosis and therapy is also highlighted. Key preclinical and emerging clinical findings are reviewed to illustrate translational progress and current limitations. EXPERT OPINION: Nanomedicine holds strong potential to transform gastric cancer therapy through selective, target-driven interventions. However, successful translation requires better molecular stratification, deeper insight into nano - bio interactions, standardized toxicity evaluation, and scalable manufacturing. Integrating genomics, biomarkers, and AI-driven design will be crucial for developing nanotherapeutics that address specific molecular vulnerabilities in gastric cancer.