Both conventional and innovative treatment for stage 4 stomach cancer is utilized in leading international medical centers. These approaches significantly improve patient survival rates by controlling tumor growth and metastasis over extended periods. Recent advances in precision medicine and molecular diagnostics have enabled oncologists to develop more personalized and effective treatment strategies, leading to better outcomes even in advanced cases.
Standard Treatment Approaches for Stage 4 Cancer
The basics of treating late-stage gastric cancer typically include:
- Systemic drug therapy
- Palliative procedures, including endoscopy and surgery
- Supportive treatment (for pain management, anemia correction, nutrient deficiency restoration, etc.)
When selecting systemic therapy, clinicians analyze tumor biomarkers that make it vulnerable to specific medications. This analysis leads to developing a personalized treatment plan incorporating:
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy with biologics
Radiation oncology capabilities suppress specific metastatic sites, most commonly in bones. Radiotherapy may also be administered for brain metastases. However, standard chemoradiation for primary stomach tumor suppression is not typically used at stage 4.
Some patients require palliative surgical interventions to eliminate or prevent complications. Bypass surgeries create alternative food passage routes, circumventing blocked sections. A less invasive approach involves destroying the tumor portion blocking the duodenal passage. This procedure is performed via endoscopy, utilizing various energy sources, such as laser technology. Subsequently, a stent (tube) is inserted to maintain the passage’s patency and prevent tumor re-obstruction.
Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy
The administration of medications into the peritoneal cavity during minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures enables targeted treatment with minimal systemic side effects. While clinical research is ongoing to determine its impact on patient survival rates, intraperitoneal chemotherapy has demonstrated effectiveness in reducing tumor nodule size, eliminating or decreasing ascites, and lowering complication risks.
Cytoreductive Surgery
In cases of peritoneal cancer spread with a low carcinomatosis index, doctors may recommend cytoreductive surgery. This procedure aims at resection of all visible tumor sites in the abdominal cavity. Treatment is often complemented by hyperthermic intraoperative chemotherapy (HIPEC): irrigation of the abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapeutic solutions to destroy remaining cancer cells. Following surgery, patients receive adjuvant therapy with systemic medications.
Chemoembolization
This minimally invasive procedure involves blocking arteries that supply the stomach tumor using drug-eluting microspheres. It helps reduce tumor size, prevent or eliminate gastric bleeding, and decrease blood loss during subsequent surgery. Hepatic artery chemoembolization is specifically used for suppressing stomach cancer metastases in the liver.
These and other advanced treatment methods for late-stage stomach cancer are available at medical facilities in developed countries. Through Booking Health, patients can access world-class medical expertise, aiming not only for symptom relief but also for significant extension of active life. Quality treatment abroad ensures excellent patient survival rates.
To select a clinic, learn about pricing, and schedule treatment at convenient dates, visit the Booking Health website. Submit a request to receive consultation from medical tourism specialists, assistance in clinic selection, and support in organizing your international medical journey.
The comprehensive treatment approach combining various therapeutic modalities, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and innovative surgical techniques, offers hope and improved outcomes for patients with advanced gastric cancer. Each treatment plan is tailored to individual patient needs, taking into account specific tumor characteristics, overall health status, and treatment goals.
