Stomach Cancer Treatment

Who Needs Stomach Cancer Treatment?

If someone is found to have a malignant tumour in the stomach using imaging and biopsy, treatment will be necessary. People seeking treatment are usually found to have:

• Repeated stomach pain or bloating
• Problems with swallowing food or no interest in eating
• Weight loss with no reason or tiredness for no reason
• Throwing up (often with visible blood)
• Anaemia or possible bleeding from inside the body
• A test showing cancer in the stomach

The treatment for localised, advanced, or metastatic stomach cancer should be designed individually according to the tumour stage, histology, and overall condition.

Types of Stomach Cancer Treatment Procedures

Specialists in stomach cancer use a combination of different treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.

1. Surgery - Subtotal or entire stomach removal
2. Chemotherapy - May be before surgery (neoadjuvant) or after surgery (adjuvant)
3. Radiation Therapy - May be used with chemotherapy or after surgery 
4. Targeted Therapy - Doctors may prescribe trastuzumab (for HER-2 positive tumors) or ramucirumab (an anti-angiogenesis drug) in severe situations. 
5. Immunotherapy - Comes with checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or nivolumab, mainly for taking care of metastatic/recurrent diseases

Each therapy plan will be individualised based on the tumour site and stage, genetics, and the patient's fitness.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation and Diagnostics

Accurate diagnosis and staging are important to establish a good plan. The standard workup may include:

• Endoscopy with biopsy
• CT scan or PET-CT
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS)
• Blood Tests - CBC, liver, and kidney functions
• Tumour markers - CEA and CA 19-9 
• HER2 
• Staging laparoscopy

These tests together will be used to decide on the stage, operability, and sequences of treatment.

Selection and Surgical/Procedure Planning

Surgical and oncological planning will take place in collaboration with Gastrointestinal surgeons, Medical and Radiation oncologists, and pathologists. Planning depends primarily on:

• Tumour size and location (proximal, distal, or total stomach)
• Invasion of the surrounding structures
• Lymph node involvement or metastasis to other organs
• HER2 and PD-L1 Expression to determine eligibility for targeted therapies
• Nutrition, fitness, and patients' comorbidities.

Patients with locally advanced but resectable tumours are often advised to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery for better outcomes.

Stomach Cancer Surgery Procedure

Surgical resection of the tumour remains the mainstay of treatment with curative intent. Commonly performed procedures include:

Subtotal Gastrectomy

• The distal stomach is taken out.
• The remaining stomach connects to the small intestine.

Total Gastrectomy

• Both the stomach and nearby lymph nodes are removed.
• The oesophagus is connected directly to the small intestine.

Palliative Surgery

• Done for symptom relief in a patient not able to be cured (for example, gastric outlet obstruction or bleeding).

Endoscopic Mucosal Resection (EMR)

• The procedure involves using an endoscope to remove smaller cancers from the lining of the stomach. 
• It is mostly for early-stage cancer with a low risk of spreading.

Laparoscopic Surgery

• It is a minimally invasive approach where small incisions are used for removing a part of the stomach or the whole stomach, along with lymph nodes.
• This is a specific kind of total/partial gastrectomy.

Gastric Bypass (Gastrojejunostomy)

• It avoids the lower portion of the stomach for preventing/treating tumors blocking food from leaving the same area.
• Surgery may be laparoscopic or open, based on the extent of tumour involvement.
• The digestive tract will be reconstructed using Roux-en-Y or an equivalent method.

Typically, patients will be in the hospital for 5 to 7 days until recovery.

Risks & Potential Complications of Stomach Cancer Treatment

As with any major surgery or cancer treatment, stomach cancer therapies are associated with risks:

Surgical Complications:

• Infection or bleeding
• Leakage at the anastomosis site
• Nutritional deficiencies (especially B12, iron)
• Delayed gastric emptying
• Dumping syndrome (rapid food transit)

Chemotherapy Side Effects:

• Nausea, vomiting
• Fatigue
• Low blood counts
• Neuropathy
• Hair loss

Radiation Therapy Risks:

• Skin changes, fatigue
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Bowel or liver injury (rare)

Targeted/Immunotherapy Risks:

• Infusion reactions
• Diarrhoea, liver inflammation
• Autoimmune side effects

All potential risks are managed through pre-treatment counselling, careful monitoring, and supportive care.

What to Expect After Stomach Cancer Treatment?

Recovery after surgery/treatment varies depending on the procedure and individual factors:

• Hospital stay of 5–7 days
• Liquid to soft diet transition
• Gradual resumption of physical activity
• Nutritional supplements (especially for total gastrectomy patients)
• Chemotherapy or targeted therapy may begin 3–6 weeks post-surgery

Patients may experience weight loss, reflux, and changes in appetite, which are addressed through dietary counselling.

Post-Surgery Recovery & Long-Term Care

Long-term care is critical for preventing recurrence and maintaining quality of life:

• Nutritional Monitoring: High-protein, small, frequent meals and vitamin supplements
• Surveillance: Regular imaging and endoscopy for early detection of recurrence
• Psychosocial Support: Counselling and support groups for mental health
• Exercise and Rehabilitation: Helps in regaining strength and stamina
• Medication Adherence: Includes PPI (proton pump inhibitors), vitamin B12 injections, and anti-nausea drugs

Patients require lifelong follow-up, especially after total gastrectomy, to monitor for anaemia, osteoporosis, and weight loss.

Stomach Cancer Treatment Success Rate in India

Success rates depend on the cancer stage at diagnosis and the effectiveness of multimodal treatment:

• Early-stage stomach cancer: 5-year survival rate of 70–90%
• Locally advanced cancer: Survival improves significantly with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and complete surgical resection
• Advanced or metastatic disease: 5-year survival ranges between 10% and 30%, but newer targeted and immunotherapies are improving outcomes

India’s advanced cancer centres report survival rates comparable to global benchmarks, especially when patients receive timely intervention.

Cost of Stomach Cancer Treatment in India

Stomach cancer treatment in India typically involves a combination of approaches, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The treatment plan is personalized based on the patient's stage of cancer and overall health. India boasts advanced medical facilities and experienced oncologists who specialize in this field. Patients often receive comprehensive care, including nutritional support and follow-up programs. The healthcare system in India is known for its accessibility and affordability, attracting many seeking effective cancer treatment. Additionally, advancements in technology enable the use of minimally invasive techniques, improving recovery times.

Why Choose India for Stomach Cancer Treatment?

India offers world-class stomach cancer care, supported by state-of-the-art infrastructure, experienced medical professionals, and cost-effective services.

Benefits of Choosing India:

• Highly experienced gastrointestinal surgeons and oncologists
• Advanced technologies such as laparoscopic gastrectomy, HIPEC, and precision oncology
• Access to targeted therapies and immunotherapies at competitive prices
• Comprehensive cancer care under one roof: diagnostics, surgery, chemotherapy, and palliative care
• Multilingual support and medical tourism assistance for international patients

Institutions like Apollo and Fortis Hospitals offer robotic surgery and access to clinical trials, providing patients with the latest in cancer care.

Documents Required for Patients Traveling to India for Stomach Cancer Treatment

For international patients planning to undergo stomach cancer treatment in India, certain documents are required to ensure a hassle-free medical trip. These include:

• Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months from the date of travel.
• Medical Visa (M Visa): Issued by the Indian Embassy/Consulate based on medical necessity.
• Invitation Letter from Indian Hospital: A confirmation from the hospital outlining the treatment plan and duration.
• Recent Medical Records: Including X-rays, MRIs, blood reports, and a doctor’s referral from the home country.
• Completed Visa Application Form: Along with passport-size photographs as per specifications.
• Proof of Financial Means: Recent bank statements or health insurance coverage.
• Medical Attendant Visa: Required for a companion or caretaker traveling with the patient.

It's recommended to consult the Indian consulate or your medical facilitator for updated guidelines and assistance with documentation.

Top Stomach Cancer Specialists in India

Here are some of the leading specialists for stomach cancer in the country: 

1. Dr. Vinod Raina, Fortis Memorial Research Hospital, Gurgaon
2. Prof. Dr. Suresh H. Advani, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
3. Dr. S V S S Prasad, Apollo Cancer Institute, Chennai
4. Dr. Rajendran B, KIMS Global Hospital, Trivandrum
5. Dr. Hemant B. Tongaonkar, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai

Best Hospitals for Stomach Cancer Treatment in India

Here is a look at some of the top hospitals for stomach cancer treatments in India. 

1. Apollo Hospital, Ahmedabad
2. Fortis Hospital, Delhi 
3. Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre Hospital, Chennai
4. Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai
5. Apollomedics Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is stomach cancer curable?

Yes, early-stage stomach cancer is potentially curable with surgery and chemotherapy. Advanced stages are managed to extend survival and improve quality of life.

What are the early symptoms of stomach cancer?

Symptoms may include bloating, indigestion, early satiety, and unexplained weight loss, though early cancer may be asymptomatic.

Will I be able to eat normally after stomach surgery?

You may need to follow a special diet, especially after a total gastrectomy. Nutritionists guide patients on meal planning and supplements.

Is chemotherapy always required for stomach cancer?

Most patients require chemotherapy either before or after surgery. Some may also receive targeted therapies or immunotherapy based on genetic testing.

Can stomach cancer recur after treatment?

Yes, recurrence is possible, especially in advanced cases. Regular follow-up and monitoring are essential for early detection and management.