Recommendations on current approach to gastric cancer

Clin Transl Oncol. 2009 Aug;11(8):518-25. doi: 10.1007/s12094-009-0396-9.

Abstract

The management of gastric cancer has been updated by the Grupo Español de Tratamiento de Tumores Digestivos (TTD). A multidisciplinary approach is essential in these patients including a precise diagnosis and staging and correct nutritional evaluation. For resectable disease, surgical resection remains the treatment mainstay and both perioperatory chemotherapy and postoperatory chemo-radiotherapy are considered standard complementary treatments. In advanced disease chemotherapy should always be considered. There are different reference schemes (TCF, XC, ECF, EXC) and the therapeutic option has to be individualised. Recently a phase III trial has shown a significant improvement in overall survival when trastuzumab is added to cisplatin-capecitabine or cisplatin-5-fluorouracil in patients with HER2+ advanced gastric cancer. Currently, there are several ongoing clinical trials evaluating the role of other new drugs against cellular targets. It would be desirable to incorporate biomarker studies in these trials in order to identify the best treatment for each patient.

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Health Planning Guidelines
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Stomach Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor