What You Need to Know About Gastric Cancer Treatment Options
Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a serious and often difficult-to-diagnose disease that affects the stomach lining. While the survival rates for gastric cancer have historically been low, recent advancements in cancer therapies and cutting-edge clinical trials have significantly improved outcomes for patients. At PI Health Cancer Hospital, groundbreaking research is being conducted to enhance both the diagnosis and treatment of this complex condition.
This blog will delve into gastric cancer treatment options, the latest developments in stomach cancer treatment, and how clinical trials at PI Health Cancer Hospital are paving the way for new and improved therapies for those affected by this disease.
What is Gastric Cancer?
Gastric cancer begins in the stomach, usually in the cells of the stomach lining. It is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, though its prevalence has decreased in some regions due to better dietary habits and early screening practices. However, stomach cancer is often diagnosed at later stages, making it more challenging to treat effectively.
There are several risk factors for gastric cancer, including infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, smoking, family history, and a diet high in salty or processed foods. Symptoms may include persistent stomach pain, bloating, nausea, difficulty swallowing, and unexplained weight loss. Since these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, early detection is crucial.
Stomach Cancer Treatment Options
The treatment for gastric cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, its location, the patient’s overall health, and the presence of metastasis (spread of cancer). The treatment strategy often involves a combination of therapies to improve outcomes.
1. Surgery
For localized gastric cancer, surgery is the primary treatment option. The goal is to remove the tumor and any affected tissue. Common surgical procedures include:
- Gastrectomy: Removal of part or all of the stomach.
- Lymph node removal: In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may be removed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading.
While surgery is effective in early-stage cancer, it may not always be an option for advanced-stage gastric cancer, particularly if the cancer has spread to other organs.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used in combination with surgery to eliminate cancer cells that may have spread beyond the tumor site. It involves the use of powerful drugs that target and kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be administered before or after surgery, or in some cases, as the primary treatment if surgery is not possible.
Recent advancements in chemotherapy for gastric cancer have led to the development of more targeted drugs that aim to minimize damage to healthy cells while focusing on cancerous cells.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It is generally used in combination with surgery or chemotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery or to target remaining cancer cells after surgery. Radiation may also be used to treat gastric cancer that has spread to other areas, such as nearby lymph nodes or the liver.
Recent studies have explored more precise radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), which can focus on the tumor while minimizing exposure to surrounding healthy tissues.
4. Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy involves drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer. These therapies are designed to attack cancer cells more precisely than traditional chemotherapy, often leading to fewer side effects. For gastric cancer, targeted therapies are used to block specific proteins that promote cancer cell growth.
At PI Health Cancer Hospital, clinical trials are exploring several promising targeted therapies that could improve survival rates and quality of life for gastric cancer patients.
5. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a relatively new approach in cancer treatment. It works by stimulating the patient’s immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Several immunotherapy drugs have shown promise in treating gastric cancer, particularly for advanced or metastatic cases.
For example, checkpoint inhibitors are a class of immunotherapy drugs that block certain proteins from preventing immune cells from attacking cancer cells. Ongoing clinical trials at PI Health Cancer Hospital are testing new immunotherapy combinations for gastric cancer patients.
Groundbreaking Clinical Trials at PI Health Cancer Hospital
PI Health Cancer Hospital is a leader in cancer research and gastric cancer treatments. The hospital’s clinical trials focus on investigating new drugs, treatment combinations, and advanced diagnostic methods to improve outcomes for gastric cancer patients.
Some of the key areas of research include:
- Personalized Medicine: By analyzing the genetic makeup of cancer cells, researchers at PI Health Cancer Hospital are developing personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patients, maximizing the effectiveness of therapy.
- Novel Targeted Therapies: Clinical trials are exploring drugs that target specific mutations in gastric cancer cells, potentially offering more effective treatment options with fewer side effects.
- Immunotherapy Combinations: Ongoing trials are testing the potential of combining immunotherapy with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation, to enhance their effectiveness.
- Liquid Biopsy: Researchers are investigating the use of liquid biopsies—blood tests that detect genetic mutations in gastric cancer—to enable earlier diagnosis and more accurate monitoring of the disease.
By participating in these trials, PI Health Cancer Hospital is playing a vital role in improving gastric cancer treatment options and outcomes.
Conclusion
Gastric cancer is a challenging disease, but recent advances in cancer therapies are offering hope for better outcomes. By utilizing a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and innovative treatments like targeted therapy and immunotherapy, gastric cancer patients now have more options than ever. At PI Health Cancer Hospital, cutting-edge clinical trials are helping to push the boundaries of treatment, providing patients with access to the latest breakthroughs in stomach cancer treatment. Early detection, personalized care, and advancements in gastric cancer treatment are crucial in improving survival rates and quality of life for those affected by this disease.
FAQS
Early signs of gastric cancer may include persistent stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, unexplained weight loss, and difficulty swallowing. If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly.
The survival rate for gastric cancer varies based on the stage of diagnosis. Early-stage gastric cancer has a better prognosis, with higher survival rates, while advanced-stage cancer may have a lower survival rate.
Chemotherapy is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. It may be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells.
Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules involved in cancer growth, offering a more precise treatment option that often causes fewer side effects than traditional chemotherapy.
Yes, immunotherapy has shown promise in treating gastric cancer, particularly in advanced cases. It works by boosting the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Yes, PI Health Cancer Hospital is conducting clinical trials to explore new treatments, including personalized medicine, novel targeted therapies, and immunotherapy combinations for gastric cancer.
Dr. A. Venugopal
Clinical Director & HOD Medical Oncology Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist & Hemato-Oncologist
About Author
Dr. A. Venugopal
MD (General Medicine), DM (Medical Oncology), MRCP – SCE Medical Oncology (UK), ECMO (Switzerland).
Dr A. Venugopal is One of the best medical oncologist and Hemato Oncologist in hyderabad, currently serving as the Head of the Department and Senior Medical Oncologist, Hemato Oncologist at Pi Health Cancer Hospital in Gachibowli, Hyderabad. He brings over 15 years of extensive experience in the field of Oncology.