Gastric Cancer, Version 2.2022

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Over 95% of gastric cancers are adenocarcinomas, which are typically classified based on anatomic location and histologic type. Gastric cancer generally carries a poor prognosis because it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage. Systemic therapy can provide palliation, improved survival, and enhanced quality of life in patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. The implementation of biomarker testing, especially analysis of HER2 status, microsatellite instability (MSI) status, and the expression of programmed deathligand 1 (PD-L1), has had a significant impact on clinical practice and patient care. Targeted therapies including trastuzumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab have produced encouraging results in clinical trials for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease. Palliative management, which may include systemic therapy, chemoradiation, and/or best supportive care, is recommended for all patients with unresectable or metastatic cancer. Multidisciplinary team management is essential for all patients with localized gastric cancer. This selection from the NCCN Guidelines for Gastric Cancer focuses on the management of unresectable locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic disease.

Automated summary

Gastric cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with over 95% being adenocarcinomas. It is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, leading to a poor prognosis. However, systemic therapy can alleviate symptoms, improve survival, and enhance quality of life. The implementation of biomarker testing has significantly impacted clinical practice and patient care. Targeted therapies have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. Palliative management is recommended for patients with unresectable or metastatic cancer.