Treatment Options for Advanced Gastric Cancer
There is no definitive best treatment for advanced gastric cancer clinically, and patients should choose a suitable treatment plan based on their individual conditions. Generally, adjuvant therapies such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be considered.
1. Radiotherapy
This is a localized treatment method that utilizes high-energy radiation to directly damage tumor cells, alleviating symptoms to a certain extent and potentially extending survival.
2. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves administering anticancer drugs intravenously or orally to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Commonly used drugs include fluorouracil and other antimetabolites, as well as antibiotics like paclitaxel and cisplatin. Medication should be taken under medical supervision.
3. Immunotherapy
A novel cancer treatment approach, immunotherapy harnesses the body's own immune system to fight cancer cells. Drugs such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab are commonly used.
4. Targeted Therapy
Designed for malignancies with identified oncogenic sites, targeted therapy is often used as a first-line treatment for metastatic colorectal cancer, with examples including bevacizumab combined with capecitabine.
5. Palliative Care
For those unable to tolerate surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, palliative care can be adopted to improve quality of life, alleviate pain, and enhance overall wellbeing. Additionally, traditional Chinese medicine and nutritional support can serve as adjunctive therapies to manage disease progression.
Patient Advice
Patients are encouraged to actively cooperate with doctors in standardized treatment while maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset towards their illness, which can aid in recovery.
