Emerging drugs in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer.
BACKGROUND
Gastroesopheal cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide. If detected early, curative treatment is possible. Often, gastroesophageal cancer is detected at an advanced stage when therapy is palliative.


OBJECTIVE
To provide a critical evaluation of historic and recently developed chemotherapy regimens for the treatment of advanced gastroesophageal cancer (AGC).


METHODS
Published clinical trials in AGC as well as selected abstracts presented at international oncology meetings were selected.


CONCLUSIONS
Chemotherapy has demonstrated a benefit over best supportive care alone by improving the quality and quantity of life for patients with advanced disease. Recent Phase III trials investigating cytotoxic chemotherapy and Phase II trials incorporating biotherapy for the treatment of AGC show promise for the future.
Tetzlaff
Eric D
ED
University of Texas, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Cen
Putao
P
Ajani
Jaffer A
JA
D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017322:Clinical Trials, Phase II as Topic / Q000639:trends; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000639:trends; D015507:Drugs, Investigational / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D015507:Drugs, Investigational