Treatments for Different Stages of Stomach Cancer
There are many treatment options available for stomach cancer that show promising results. This article will explore different treatment options that are available, starting with innovative medications like Ayvakit. It helps block proteins and slows cancer cells from growing.
1. Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies use drugs to target specific molecules in cancer to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells. Some of the most common targeted therapies that are used to treat stomach cancer include:
- Ayvakit (avapritinib). Ayvakit, which contains avapritinib, is used to treat gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST). It works by blocking certain proteins in the body that can fuel the growth of GIST cells. This helps to slow down or stop the growth of the tumor and may shrink it or prevent it from spreading further.
- Herceptin (trastuzumab). This is used for HER2-positive stomach cancers by targeting the HER2 protein to slow or stop cancer progression.
- Cyramza (ramucirumab). Cyramza is a VEGFR-2 inhibitor that prevents the growth of blood vessels feeding the tumor.
- Keytruda (pembrolizumab). Keytruda is an immune checkpoint inhibitor targeting PD-1. It is most commonly recommended for more advanced stages of stomach cancers.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from dividing. Common chemotherapy drugs for stomach cancer include:
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Often combined with other agents like leucovorin.
- Cisplatin. Commonly used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs.
- Oxaliplatin. Part of regimens like FOLFOX
- Capecitabine. An oral chemotherapy drug often combined with cisplatin.
- Irinotecan. Used in advanced stages, often in combination therapies.
3. Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells. It is often used in combination with chemotherapy to shrink tumors before surgery or to relieve symptoms in advanced stages.
4. Immunotherapy
In addition to Keytruda, other immunotherapy drugs and strategies are being explored in clinical trials. These treatments aim to harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.
5. Surgery
Surgery is a common option for advanced stages of cancer. The specificity of it vary based on the cancer’s location and stage. Surgery options include:
- Subtotal (partial) gastrectomy. Removes part of the stomach containing the tumor.
- Total gastrectomy. Removes the entire stomach, connecting the esophagus directly to the small intestine.
- Lymph node dissection. Often performed alongside gastrectomy to remove nearby lymph nodes.
6. Palliative Care and Supportive Treatments
There are some cases of stomach cancer that simply don’t respond to any other forms of treatment. In those situations, or in advanced or inoperable cases, palliative treatments focus on relieving symptoms and improving quality of life. The following can be done to help relieve pain and improve a patient's lifestyle:
- Stents. To keep the stomach or esophagus open for food passage.
- Pain management. Through medications and supportive therapies.
- Nutritional support. Via feeding tubes or specialized diets.
7. Clinical Trials and Emerging Therapies
Ongoing research is exploring new treatments and clinical trials. They tend to be risky but innovative ways to treat all forms of cancer. According to available research, the overall clinical approval success rate for new cancer drugs is estimated to be around 7.1%. The efficacy of a clinical trial can depend on the type of cancer, how advanced the case is, a person’s genetics and various other factors. Some of these emerging therapies include:
- CAR T-cell therapy. CAR T-cell therapy works to engineer the patient’s immune cells to target cancer.
- Tumor vaccines. Tumor vaccines are designed to stimulate an immune response against stomach cancer cells.
- New targeted drugs. Investigating additional mutations and pathways.
- Gene therapy. Techniques to modify or repair defective genes contributing to cancer.
Understanding Which Option is Best For You
It can be overwhelming to choose what treatment option is best for you. Each treatment option is tailored to the individual’s needs, and decisions are typically made in consultation with a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, surgeons and other specialists.