Metastatic gastric cancer is an incurable disease. Systemic chemotherapy prolongs survival, improves symptom control, and helps maintain a better quality of life of patients with metastatic gastric cancer. HER2 testing of the primary tumor and/or the metastases is warranted before initiation of first-line treatment. This review article outlines the indication and clinical data of medical treatment of advanced gastric cancer and highlights aspects of quality of life.
Key points
- •
In metastatic gastric cancer, chemotherapy is part of the palliative care concept. A platinum compound (cisplatin or oxaliplatin) plus a fluoropyrimidine (fluorouracil [5-FU], capecitabine, or S-1) is the global standard.
- •
HER2 is the only predictive marker, and HER2 testing of the primary tumor and/or metastases is warranted before initiation of first-line treatment.
- •
Selected patients can benefit from triplet combinations, but increased side effects must be considered. Comorbidity, concomitant diseases, and prior therapies should be taken into account for selecting the appropriate therapeutic approach.
- •
Recent data support the routine use of second-line chemotherapy, either as mono chemotherapy or as a combination of ramucirumab and paclitaxel.
Related posts:
The Management of Esophagogastric Cancers Enters a New Era
Management of Locally Advanced Gastroesophageal Cancer
The Role of Radiotherapy in Localized Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
The Evolving Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors in the Management of Gastroesophageal Cancer
Antiangiogenic Therapy in Gastroesophageal Cancer
Emerging Novel Therapeutic Agents in the Treatment of Patients with Gastroesophageal and Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Full access? Get Clinical Tree
