When someone hears the word “cancer,” especially stomach cancer, a thousand thoughts may rush through their mind. What does this mean for me or my loved one? Is there hope? What are the treatment options? These are not just questions—they’re a call for clarity, guidance, and above all, a way forward. Let’s walk through the major treatment options for stomach cancer and help make sense of what can often feel overwhelming.
Understanding the Goal of Treatment
Not all stomach cancers are the same, and not all treatments aim for the same thing. For some people, the goal is to cure the cancer entirely. For others, the aim may be to control the spread or ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Doctors consider a range of factors before recommending a treatment plan:
- Stage of the cancer – Is it early or advanced?
- Location – Where exactly is the tumour in the stomach?
- Overall health – Can the person handle aggressive treatments?
Sometimes, treatment is curative. Sometimes, it’s palliative. Both approaches are valid and deeply personal.
Surgery for Stomach Cancer
If the cancer is caught early—and hasn’t spread beyond the stomach—surgery is often the main line of attack.
Types of Surgery
- Endoscopic resection: Used for very early-stage cancers. A thin tube is inserted through the mouth to remove small tumours without cutting open the stomach.
- Partial gastrectomy: Only the part of the stomach containing cancer is removed. The rest is preserved.
- Total gastrectomy: The entire stomach is removed, and the oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine.
Recovery and Side Effects
After surgery, life changes. Eating becomes different. Meals are smaller. Digestion may feel unusual. But with time, the body adjusts. And most people find new routines that work.
When is Surgery Not an Option?
If cancer has spread too far or the patient isn’t strong enough for surgery, doctors might recommend other treatments first—like chemo or radiation—to shrink the tumour.
Chemotherapy
You’ve probably heard the word “chemo” a lot. But what does it really do in stomach cancer?
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given:
- Before surgery (called neoadjuvant chemo) to shrink the tumour
- After surgery (called adjuvant chemo) to kill remaining cancer cells
- On its own if surgery isn’t possible
Common Chemo Drugs
Some of the usual medications include:
- 5-FU (fluorouracil)
- Cisplatin
- Capecitabine (Xeloda)
- Oxaliplatin
Doctors often combine two or more drugs to make them more effective.
Side Effects to Expect
Everyone reacts differently, but common side effects include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hair loss
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
The good news? Many of these side effects can be managed with medication and support.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It’s not always used in stomach cancer but can be effective in specific cases.
When Is Radiation Used?
- In combination with chemotherapy
- To shrink tumours before surgery
- To relieve pain or bleeding when surgery isn’t possible
Side Effects and Risks
Radiation can cause:
- Skin irritation
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhoea
- Fatigue
These side effects are usually temporary. Your doctor will monitor and adjust the plan if needed.
Targeted Therapy
Not all cancer cells are created equal. Some have specific proteins or genes that help them grow. That’s where targeted therapy comes in.
HER2-positive Stomach Cancer
Some stomach cancers produce a protein called HER2. If your cancer is HER2-positive, you may benefit from drugs like:
- Trastuzumab (Herceptin): Works by targeting and blocking HER2
Other Targeted Drugs
- Ramucirumab (Cyramza): Targets blood vessels feeding the tumour
Unlike chemo, these drugs aim directly at cancer cells, often with fewer side effects.
Immunotherapy
What if your own immune system could help fight cancer?
That’s the idea behind immunotherapy—teaching your body to recognise and attack cancer cells.
Checkpoint Inhibitors
For some advanced stomach cancers, drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) may be used. These work by blocking the cancer’s ability to “hide” from immune cells.
Who Can Get Immunotherapy?
Not everyone qualifies. Doctors will test for specific markers like PD-L1 expression or MSI-H status to determine eligibility.
Palliative Treatments for Advanced Stomach Cancer
Sometimes, the goal isn’t to cure, but to ease pain and improve life. That’s what palliative care is about.
What It Includes:
- Pain relief medications
- Procedures to stop bleeding or remove blockages
- Nutritional support
Palliative care can be combined with other treatments and often brings comfort in hard times.
Complementary and Supportive Therapies
Modern treatment isn’t just about drugs and surgery. It’s also about supporting the whole person.
Common Supportive Options:
- Nutritional support: Learning what and how to eat post-treatment
- Mental health care: Counselling, support groups
- Alternative therapies: Some people try acupuncture, massage, or meditation. Always consult your doctor first.
Healing involves more than just treating the tumour. It’s about caring for the mind, body, and soul.
Clinical Trials and Emerging Treatments
Wondering what’s next in cancer treatment? That’s where clinical trials come in. They explore cutting-edge drugs and techniques.
Why Consider a Clinical Trial?
- Access to new treatments before they’re widely available
- Contributing to research that may help others
Talk to your oncologist to see if a trial is right for you.
How to Decide on the Right Treatment Plan
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach. Your care team will likely include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and dietitians—each playing a role.
Tips to Make the Best Choice:
- Get a second opinion: It’s okay to ask for more input.
- Ask questions: What are the side effects? What does recovery look like?
- Be involved: You have the right to understand and choose.
Every decision you make is a step toward clarity and control.
Final Thoughts
Stomach cancer treatment has come a long way. From traditional surgery to high-tech immunotherapies, the options today offer hope and healing for many. And while the path can be hard, remember—you don’t have to walk it alone. Support, information, and compassion are always part of the journey.
References
- “Stomach Cancer Treatment (PDQ®) – Patient Version”, National Cancer Institute, 2023. https://www.cancer.gov/types/stomach/patient/stomach-treatment-pdq
- “Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Types of Treatment”, American Cancer Society, 2023. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/treating.html
- “Stomach Cancer Treatment Options”, Cancer Research UK, 2024. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/stomach-cancer/treatment
- “Gastric Cancer – Treatment”, Mayo Clinic, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/diagnosis-treatment
- “Immunotherapy for Stomach Cancer”, Cancer.Net (American Society of Clinical Oncology), 2023. https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/stomach-cancer/types-treatment