The short answer
Stomach cancer treatment depends on the stage. Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is common, often with chemotherapy before or after. Radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are used in some cases.
Treatment depends on the stage of the stomach cancer.
Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is common.
Chemotherapy is often used before or after surgery.
Radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are used in some cases.
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The full explanation.
The simple version
Stomach cancer treatment depends on the stage. Surgery to remove part or all of the stomach is common, usually combined with chemotherapy. Radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy play a role in some cases.
Surgery
Surgery removes part or all of the stomach (a gastrectomy) along with nearby lymph nodes. When part of the stomach is removed, the remaining stomach is reconnected so a person can still eat, though meals may need to be smaller.
Surgery removes part or all of the stomach and is common for stomach cancer.
Other treatments
Chemotherapy is often used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to lower the chance of return, or as a main treatment for advanced cancer. Radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are used in some cases, guided by biomarker testing.
A plan built for you
Your team chooses treatment based on the stage and features of the cancer. Ask about the goals of each treatment, effects on eating, side effects, and whether a clinical trial is an option.
Words to know
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Common questions
▸What are the main treatments?
Surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. The plan depends on the stage and features of the cancer.
▸What does surgery involve?
Surgery removes part or all of the stomach along with nearby lymph nodes. When part is removed, the remaining stomach is reconnected so a person can still eat.
▸How is chemotherapy used?
Chemotherapy is often given before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery to lower the chance of return, or as a main treatment for advanced cancer.
▸What is biomarker testing for?
Testing the tumor can reveal features, such as HER2, that targeted therapy or immunotherapy can address, helping match treatment to the cancer.
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