Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, remains one of the most serious health challenges globally. According to the World Health Organization, it was the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in 2020.
Treating stomach cancer effectively depends on several factors, including the tumor’s location, the stage of the cancer, and the patient’s overall health and preferences. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, targeted drug therapy, or palliative care to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
This guide breaks down each treatment option to help patients and caregivers make informed decisions.
SURGERY: REMOVING THE ROOT OF THE DISEASE
Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage stomach cancer. The goal is to remove the tumor and surrounding tissues to prevent the cancer from spreading.
Types of Surgical Procedures:
Endoscopic Resection (EMR/ESD): Used for very early-stage cancers when the tumor hasn’t invaded deeper layers of the stomach.
Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach depending on the cancer’s extent.
Lymph Node Dissection: Removal of nearby lymph nodes to check for cancer spread.
While surgery can be potentially curative, it also comes with risks such as bleeding, infection, and anesthesia complications. Outcomes depend largely on the stage of the cancer and the patient’s overall health.
CHEMOTHERAPY: ATTACKING CANCER CELLS SYSTEMICALLY
Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to stop or slow the growth of rapidly dividing cancer cells. It may be used before surgery (to shrink tumors), after surgery (to kill remaining cells), or alongside radiation.
Common Chemo Drugs for Stomach Cancer:
Fluorouracil (5-FU)
Oxaliplatin
Cisplatin
Docetaxel
Chemo can be given orally or intravenously in cycles. Despite its effectiveness, chemotherapy can cause side effects like nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and neuropathy. Doctors weigh the benefits against the risks based on each patient’s condition.
TARGETED THERAPY: PRECISION TREATMENT FOR CANCER
Targeted therapies work by attacking specific molecules that help cancer cells grow and survive. These drugs are typically used in patients whose tumors show specific genetic markers.
Examples of Targeted Therapies:
Trastuzumab (for HER2-positive cancers)
Ramucirumab
Regorafenib
TRK Inhibitors
Though generally more precise than chemotherapy, targeted therapies can still cause side effects such as high blood pressure, liver problems, or nail and skin changes. Biomarker testing helps determine if a patient is a candidate.
IMMUNOTHERAPY: BOOSTING THE BODY’S DEFENSE SYSTEM
Immunotherapy harnesses the power of the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. Recent studies have shown impressive survival rates, particularly in advanced cases.
Types of Immunotherapy:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors
Monoclonal antibodies
These treatments can be given alone or in combination with other therapies. Side effects may include fatigue, rashes, or inflammation in organs like the lungs.
RADIATION THERAPY: TARGETING TUMORS WITH PRECISION
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It’s often used before surgery to shrink tumors or after surgery to eliminate residual cancer.
Key Points:
External radiation is the most common approach.
Helps relieve symptoms such as pain or difficulty swallowing in advanced stages.
Side effects like nausea, fatigue, and skin irritation are common but usually temporary. When combined with chemotherapy, side effects may intensify.
PALLIATIVE CARE: FOCUSING ON QUALITY OF LIFE
For patients with advanced stomach cancer, palliative care plays a vital role in managing pain, easing symptoms, and supporting emotional well-being. This holistic approach may include pain relief medications, dietary support, and counseling.
IN SUMMARY:
Stomach cancer treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Each approach—from surgery to palliative care—is chosen based on how far the disease has progressed and what suits the patient best. Understanding these options helps patients and families navigate the journey with clarity, hope, and strength.
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