Perspectives in adjuvant therapy of gastric cancer.
Although the incidence of gastric cancer has been declining in Western countries, it is still a major health problem and a leading cause of cancer mortality. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for gastric adenocarcinoma. However, even among patients undergoing gastrectomy with curative intent, 5-year survival rates are disappointing due to locoregional relapse and distant metastases. This emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary management of patients with gastric cancer. In contrast to the preoperative approach, several phase III trials have been carried out in the adjuvant setting, but postoperative chemotherapy has not proven to be superior to surgery alone. Therefore, at present the routine use of adjuvant therapy should be regarded as an investigational approach. Improved clinical trial designs with standardized surgical techniques and the incorporation of newer active drugs are needed.
De Vita
Ferdinando
F
Medical Oncology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine F. Magrassi & A. Lanzara, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy. fernandodevita@yahoo.it
Vecchione
Loredana
L
Galizia
Gennaro
G
Di Martino
Natale
N
Fabozzi
Teresa
T
Catalano
Giuseppe
G
Ciardiello
Fortunato
F
Orditura
Michele
M
D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000628:therapy*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017024:Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D066246:ErbB Receptors / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D005743:Gastrectomy; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D018714:Radiotherapy, Adjuvant; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D066246:ErbB Receptors