Oncological approach in patients with gastric cancer

Abstract:

Stomach cancer is fourth most common cancer worldwide, and the second leading cause of death among cancers, with lung cancer being the leading cause of death due to cancer. Five-year survival rates correlate well with local progression of the tumor (T), the number of involved lymph nodes (N), and the appearance of distant metastases (M). As with other malignancies, it is extremely important to detect the cancer at an early stage when there is still a possibility of curing the patient. Unfortunately, most patients are diagnosed in advanced stage of the disease when the disease cannot be cured. Metastatic disease progression can be slowed through palliative chemotherapy, which can help prolong and improve the quality of life of the patient. In recent years we have witnessed the emergence of new biological drugs, whose compounds can improve the quality of life in carefully selected patients, as well as prolonging life. With the use of chemotherapy, patients can live up to 4 times (from four to 16 months) as longer than with standard, supportive care. 

Key words:
biological therapy; chemotherapy; chemoradiotherapy; epidemiology; gastric cancer; therapy