By: Prof. (Dr.) Atul Sharma
How common is gastric (stomach) cancer?
Worldwide about 1 million people are diagnosed with gastric cancer. It is ranked as the 5th most common cancer. In India it accounts for about 60,000 new cancer cases (6th most common) and about 53,000 deaths.
How is this diagnosed?
This is diagnosed after endoscopic biopsy.
What is the treatment for stomach cancer?
Stomach cancer treatment depends upon the stage of the disease. For early or locally advanced disease this is surgery, chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. For stage 4 disease this is chemotherapy with or without targeted therapy. Sometimes immunotherapy is also used with or without chemotherapy. This is based on various factors.
How is the choice of treatment determined for stomach cancer patients?
Treatment decisions are based on factors like the cancer stage, tumor location, patient’s overall health, and the presence of specific genetic mutations.
Is surgery the primary treatment for stomach cancer?
Surgery is often the main treatment for stomach cancer, with the goal of removing the tumor and nearby lymph nodes. This is possible in the early stage or what we call locally advanced disease.
What types of surgeries are performed for stomach cancer?
Common surgeries include gastrectomy (removal of part or all of the stomach) with lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes), and palliative surgery for symptom relief.
Can stomach cancer be treated with chemotherapy?
Yes, chemotherapy is often used to shrink tumors before surgery, kill cancer cells, or manage advanced cases of stomach cancer.
Is radiation therapy effective for stomach cancer treatment?
Radiation therapy can be used to target and destroy cancer cells, either alone (to prevent bleeding) or in combination with surgery and chemotherapy.
What is targeted therapy in stomach cancer treatment?
Targeted therapy drugs specifically target cancer cells’ abnormalities, such as overactive proteins, to inhibit their growth.
Are immunotherapy options available for stomach cancer patients?
Immunotherapy drugs like checkpoint inhibitors can stimulate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Can stomach cancer be treated with alternative or complementary therapies?
While some patients explore alternative therapies, they are not considered primary treatments and should be discussed with a healthcare provider and at this time lack credible scientific evidence.
Is precision medicine used in stomach cancer treatment?
Precision medicine analyzes a patient’s genetic profile to identify targeted treatment options, which can be beneficial in advanced cases of stomach cancer.
What is neoadjuvant therapy in stomach cancer treatment?
Neoadjuvant therapy refers to treatment administered before surgery to shrink tumors or improve surgical outcomes.
Can stomach cancer spread to other organs, and how is metastatic cancer treated?
Stomach cancer can metastasize to other organs. Treatment for metastatic stomach cancer may involve chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.
What is adjuvant therapy in stomach cancer treatment?
Adjuvant therapy is given after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Is stomach cancer treatment different for early-stage and advanced-stage cases?
Yes, treatment approaches vary based on the stage of the cancer. Early-stage cases may require surgery alone, while advanced stages often involve multimodal therapies.
What is the role of palliative care in stomach cancer treatment?
Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms, improving quality of life, and providing emotional support, especially in advanced cases.
Can nutritional support be part of stomach cancer treatment?
Yes, nutritional support, including dietary changes and supplements, can be important for managing malnutrition and side effects of treatment.
What are the potential side effects of chemotherapy used for stomach cancer treatment?
Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, hair loss, changes in appetite, and gastrointestinal issues, depending on the treatment used.
Are there long-term effects or complications of stomach cancer treatment?
Some treatments may lead to long-term complications, such as digestive problems, nutritional deficiencies, and potential effects on quality of life.
Is follow-up care necessary after completing stomach cancer treatment?
Yes, regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor for cancer recurrence and manage any lasting side effects.
What is the success rate of stomach cancer treatment?
The success rate varies depending on the stage, type of treatment, and individual factors. Early detection and treatment offer better outcomes and possibilities of cure in many patients.
Is stomach cancer treatment influenced by a patient’s age or overall health?
Age and overall health play a role in treatment decisions, and older adults may have tailored treatment plans to manage comorbidities.
Are there patient support groups for stomach cancer survivors and those undergoing treatment?
Yes, support groups can provide valuable emotional support, information sharing, and coping strategies for stomach cancer patients and their families.
(The author is Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Cancer Care / Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket)
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