Current strategies in systemic treatment of gastric cancer and cancer of the gastroesophageal junction

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a major health issue and a leading cause of death worldwide. The results of standard therapy remain unsatisfactory mainly because of diagnosis at the late stage of disease. Innovative strategies such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced cancer have improved the outcome even in operable cases. Whether an adjuvant radiochemotherapy is of benefit after curative resection including systematic lymphadenectomy remains yet unclear. Some progress has been made in the palliative setting by introducing new substances. This review examines recent advances in the systemic treatment of gastric and gastroesophageal junction cancer.