EGFR and gastric cancer: We first identified novel PMC cells (PMC_2) characterized by the over-expression of IL-1β, PHLDA1, and ITGA2. IL-1β polymorphisms have been associated with an increased risk of GC,52 while elevated ITGA2/PHLDA1 levels are known to promote cell migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis.53 Additionally, PHLDA1, a recognized stem cell marker in the human small and large intestine, functions downstream in the ERBB2/EGFR pathway,54 underscoring its potential role in the early stage of gastric carcinogenesis.