Questions in the Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum have been answered by Dr. Kevin Pho who is board certified in Internal Medicine and by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: Chemotherapy after partial gastrectomy?

Forum: The Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Forum
Topic: Stomach Cancer

My mother (70) had distal gastrectomy (Medium degree differential
Adenocarcinoma)about 3 weeks ago.
Her doctors believe that they have removed the tumor and did not
recommend chemotherapy because they have not had much success
with it in the past.A doctor friend recommended that we concentrate
on her quality of life rather than survival.
The tumor has penetrated into the seroza and reactive
changes were observed in the surrounding lymph ganglions.
She recovered well from the surgery and I am not ready to give
up on her. I need advice on whether I should encourage her to
get chemotherapy or biological therapy.
Are there lesser agressive forms of chemotheraphy or any other
alternatives to doing nothing?
I would greatly appreciate any advice on what to do at this point.

Dear Yost,

Previous studies have shown that up to 10% of patients who underwent non-curative resection for gastric adenocarcinoma have achieved 5 year survival with adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy or intraoperative radiation therapy. These results suggest that there is a role for adjuvant therapy in decreasing relapse and prolonging survival. On the other hand, after many subsequent research studies of initially promising treatments, there has been little convincing evidence to prove that adjuvant therapy improves survival. Therefore, it is currently recommended that adjuvant therapy for gastric cancer be given only in the context of a clinical research study. It is also important to consider quality of life issues, side effects of treatment and overall general medical health. I hope you find this information helfpul.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

If you would like to be seen at our institution please call 1-800-653-6568, our Referring Physicians’ Office and make an appointment to see Dr. Muszkat, one of our experts in Gastroenterology.

HFHSM.D.-ym
Keywords: gastric cancer, adjuvant therapy



 

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