Harnessing the LncRNA CCAT2 role in gastric cancer: from molecular insights to clinical implications

Cancer is a critical global health issue due to its high morbidity and mortality rate. Gastric cancer is among the five most frequently diagnosed cancers and is the third leading cause of cancer-related death. Risk factors include Helicobacter pylori infection, poor diet, tobacco use, and inherited susceptibility. Diagnosis often involves endoscopy and biopsy, and treatment options include surgery and chemotherapy. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are increasingly recognized for their roles in cancer biology. Colon cancer-associated transcript 2 (CCAT2) has been identified as a key factor in the development and progression of gastric cancer. CCAT2 is expressed at higher levels in gastric tumor tissues compared with normal tissues and is linked to poor prognosis, lymph node metastasis, and advanced tumor stages. Functional studies suggest that CCAT2 promotes cancer cell migration of cancer cells, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasion through key regulatory pathways including PI3K/mTOR. This review aims to discuss how lncRNA CCAT2 contributes to gastric cancer growth and to evaluate its potential as both a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, which may support the development of new therapeutic strategies and improve patient outcomes.