Stomach Cancer Treatment
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, is a severe disease where cancer cells develop in the lining of the stomach. Improved survival rates due to early detection and new treatment modalities have enhanced the chances of survival, but the disease continues to be one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths globally. This article discusses treatment for stomach cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, as well as their efficacy, side effects, recovery time, and costs in India, China, the USA, and elsewhere.
About the Disease
Stomach cancer usually starts in the mucus cells lining the stomach (adenocarcinoma). Risk factors are Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, diet high in salt, family history, and chronic gastritis. Symptoms usually occur late and can be indigestion, pain in the abdomen, weight loss, and nausea. Diagnosis is made by endoscopy, biopsy, and imaging studies such as CT scans.
Indications for Treatment
Treatment depends on the cancer stage, location, and overall health of the patient. Early-stage cancer may be treated with surgery, while advanced stages require a combination of therapies such as:
- Surgery (gastrectomy)
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Procedure Details
Surgery
- Endoscopic resection – For early-stage cancers, removing tumors via endoscopy.
- Subtotal gastrectomy – Partial stomach removal.
- Total gastrectomy – Complete stomach removal, connecting the esophagus to the small intestine.
Chemotherapy
Drugs like 5-FU, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin are used before (neoadjuvant) or after (adjuvant) surgery to kill cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) boost the immune system to attack cancer cells, especially in advanced or recurrent cases.
Targeted Therapy
Drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin) target specific proteins (HER2) in cancer cells, often used for HER2-positive stomach cancer.
Treatment Details: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Targeted Therapy
Chemotherapy
- Common regimens: FLOT (5-FU, leucovorin, oxaliplatin, docetaxel)
- Administered in cycles, often combined with radiation.
Immunotherapy
- Checkpoint inhibitors (nivolumab, pembrolizumab) improve survival in metastatic cases.
Targeted Therapy
- HER2 inhibitors (trastuzumab) for HER2-positive cancers.
- VEGFR inhibitors (ramucirumab) for advanced stages.
Effectiveness
- Early-stage cancer: Surgery + chemotherapy offers a 5-year survival rate of 60-70%.
- Advanced stages: Immunotherapy + targeted therapy improves survival but has a lower cure rate.
Risks and Side Effects
- Surgery: Infection, bleeding, digestive issues.
- Chemotherapy: Nausea, fatigue, hair loss.
- Immunotherapy: Autoimmune reactions.
- Targeted therapy: Heart problems, skin rashes.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Dietary changes: Small, frequent meals; vitamin supplements.
- Follow-up: Regular scans and endoscopies.
- Rehabilitation: Physical therapy if needed.
Cost and Availability
Treatment costs vary by country:
| Country | Surgery Cost (USD) | Chemotherapy (per cycle) | Immunotherapy (per dose) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | 30,000−80,000 | 3,000−7,000 | 5,000−10,000 |
| India | 5,000−12,000 | 500−1,500 | 1,500−3,500 |
| China | 8,000−20,000 | 800−2,000 | 2,000−5,000 |
| Turkey | 10,000−25,000 | 1,000−3,000 | 3,000−6,000 |
| Thailand | 7,000−15,000 | 700−2,000 | 2,500−5,000 |
Patient Experiences
Many patients report improved quality of life after treatment, though side effects can be challenging. Support groups and counseling help in coping.
Ongoing Clinical Trials in China
- NCT04576858: Immunotherapy combinations for advanced gastric cancer.
- NCT03852251: HER2-targeted therapy trials.
- NCT04209993: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy studies.
FAQ
Q: What is the best treatment for stomach cancer?
A: It depends on the stage—surgery for early stages, chemo/immunotherapy for advanced cases.
Q: Is stomach cancer curable?
A: Early detection improves cure rates; advanced stages are managed rather than cured.
Q: How much does stomach cancer treatment cost in India?
A: Between 5,000−15,000, making it a preferred destination for medical tourism.
Q: What are the latest treatments for stomach cancer?
A: Immunotherapy (Keytruda) and targeted therapies (Herceptin) are breakthrough options.