Follow-up after gastrectomy for cancer: the Charter Scaligero Consensus Conference

Gastric Cancer. 2016 Jan;19(1):15-20. doi: 10.1007/s10120-015-0513-0. Epub 2015 Jul 4.

Abstract

Purpose: Presently, there is no scientific evidence supporting a definite role for follow-up after gastrectomy for cancer, and clinical practices are quite different around the globe. The aim of this consensus conference was to present an ideal prototype of follow-up after gastrectomy for cancer, based on shared experiences and taking into account the need to rationalize the diagnostic course without losing the possibility of detecting local recurrence at a potentially curable stage.

Methods: On June 19-22, 2013 in Verona (Italy), during the 10th International Gastric Cancer Congress (IGCC) of the International Gastric Cancer Association, a consensus meeting was held, concluding a 6-month, Web-based, consensus conference entitled "Rationale of oncological follow-up after gastrectomy for cancer."

Results: Forty-eight experts, with a geographical distribution reflecting different health cultures worldwide, participated in the consensus conference, and 39 attended the consensus meeting. Six statements were finally approved, displayed in a plenary session and signed by the vast majority of the 10th IGCC participants. These statements are attached as an annex to the Charter Scaligero on Gastric Cancer.

Conclusion: After gastrectomy for cancer, oncological follow-up should be offered to patients; it should be tailored to the stage of the disease, mainly based on cross-sectional imaging, and should be discontinued after 5 years.

Keywords: Chemotherapy; Cross-sectional imaging; Follow-up; Gastric cancer; Prognosis; Surgery; Tumor markers; Upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy.

Publication types

  • Consensus Development Conference

MeSH terms

  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Consensus
  • Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Gastrectomy*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / diagnosis
  • Physicians
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Stomach Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Stomach Neoplasms / surgery*