Gastric Cancer Treatment
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a serious condition where malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early detection and advanced treatment options can significantly improve survival rates. This article explores gastric cancer treatment, including procedures, effectiveness, risks, recovery, costs, and patient experiences in countries like India, China, the USA, and more.
What is the treatment/procedure?
Gastric cancer treatment depends on the stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Common treatment options include:
- Surgery (Gastrectomy, Subtotal Gastrectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
- Targeted Therapy
- Immunotherapy
A multidisciplinary approach is often used to ensure the best outcomes.
Indications
Treatment is recommended based on:
- Stage of cancer (Early-stage vs. advanced)
- Tumor size and location
- Patient’s overall health
- Metastasis (spread to other organs)
Early-stage cancer may be treated with surgery, while advanced cases may require a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and immunotherapy.
Procedure Details
Surgery
- Endoscopic Resection: For very early-stage cancer, removing the tumor via endoscopy.
- Subtotal Gastrectomy: Partial removal of the stomach.
- Total Gastrectomy: Complete removal of the stomach, with the esophagus connected directly to the small intestine.
Chemotherapy & Radiation
- Used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after (adjuvant) to kill remaining cancer cells.
- Common drugs: Cisplatin, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Oxaliplatin.
Targeted Therapy & Immunotherapy
- HER2-targeted drugs (Trastuzumab) for HER2-positive gastric cancer.
- PD-1 inhibitors (Pembrolizumab, Nivolumab) for advanced cases.
Effectiveness
- Early-stage cancer: Surgery can be curative with a 5-year survival rate of 60-70%.
- Advanced cancer: Combination therapies improve survival but have lower cure rates (~20-30%).
- Immunotherapy shows promise in improving outcomes for metastatic cases.
Risks and Side Effects
- Surgery Risks: Infection, bleeding, digestive issues, dumping syndrome.
- Chemotherapy Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, hair loss, low blood counts.
- Radiation Side Effects: Skin irritation, stomach pain, diarrhea.
- Immunotherapy Risks: Autoimmune reactions (colitis, pneumonitis).
Recovery and Aftercare
- Hospital Stay: 7-14 days after major surgery.
- Dietary Changes: Small, frequent meals; high-protein, low-sugar diet.
- Follow-ups: Regular scans and endoscopies to monitor recurrence.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy for post-surgery recovery.
Cost and Availability
Treatment costs vary widely by country. Below is a comparison:
| Country | Surgery Cost (USD) | Chemotherapy Cost (USD per cycle) | Radiation Therapy (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 30,000−100,000 | 1,000−5,000 | 10,000−50,000 |
| India | 5,000−12,000 | 200−1,000 | 2,000−6,000 |
| China | 8,000−20,000 | 300−1,500 | 3,000−8,000 |
| Turkey | 10,000−25,000 | 500−2,000 | 4,000−10,000 |
| Thailand | 12,000−30,000 | 400−1,800 | 5,000−12,000 |
| South Korea | 15,000−35,000 | 600−2,500 | 6,000−15,000 |
| Israel | 20,000−50,000 | 1,000−4,000 | 8,000−20,000 |
| Malaysia | 10,000−25,000 | 500−2,000 | 4,000−10,000 |
Gastric Cancer Treatment in India and China
- India: Affordable treatment with high-quality hospitals like Tata Memorial (Mumbai), AIIMS (Delhi), and Apollo Hospitals. Robotic surgery costs ~$10,000.
- China: Advanced care in Peking Union Medical College Hospital and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Proton therapy available (~$25,000).
Patient Experiences
- Many patients report significant improvement after surgery and chemo.
- Some struggle with dietary adjustments post-gastrectomy.
- Immunotherapy patients often experience fewer side effects than chemotherapy.
FAQ
1. Can gastric cancer be cured completely?
Yes, if detected early, surgery can be curative.
2. What is the survival rate for stage 4 gastric cancer?
About 5-10% 5-year survival with aggressive treatment.
3. Is immunotherapy better than chemotherapy?
For some patients, yes—especially those with PD-L1 positive tumors.
4. How long is recovery after stomach removal?
About 6-12 weeks, with gradual dietary adjustments.
5. Which country is cheapest for gastric cancer treatment?
India and Thailand offer cost-effective options.
Gastric cancer treatment has advanced significantly, with options ranging from surgery to immunotherapy. Costs vary globally, with India and China providing affordable yet high-quality care. Early detection remains crucial for better outcomes.