Systematic review of treatment options for gastric cancer and future therapeutic perspectives

Background: Gastric cancer is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an annual global incidence of 1 million cases and 700,000 deaths. Treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel biologic...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Imane El Amri, Yoseph Leonardo Samodra, Ishita Gupta, Brigid Unim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Milano University Press 2025-06-01
Series:Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health
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Online Access:https://riviste.unimi.it/index.php/ebph/article/view/28332
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Summary:Background: Gastric cancer is the fourth most prevalent type of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with an annual global incidence of 1 million cases and 700,000 deaths. Treatment modalities include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and novel biological agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The aim of the study is to summarise the existing literature on current treatment modalities and explore novel and emerging approaches to provide a detailed understanding of future advances in GC management. Methods: A systematic review was conducted from September 2022 to May 2024 using the online databases PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The risk of bias assessment was carried out using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results: The final review comprised 68 records. The analysis revealed that laparoscopic gastrectomy and other minimally invasive surgical approaches have yielded promising outcomes, either as standalone procedures or in combination with neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy regimens. The management of gastric cancer has been transformed by Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2-targeting agents, checkpoint inhibitors and other immunotherapies, with trastuzumab providing significant benefits when combined with chemotherapy. Conclusion: Larger prospective or randomized controlled trials should be conducted, incorporating neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimens, targeted agents, or other innovative approaches, to confirm current research findings and enhance the efficacy and safety of various therapeutic strategies. A thorough evaluation of existing treatments and novel therapeutic interventions is imperative to guide future research initiatives, formulate effective patient care strategies, and inform policy makers.  
ISSN:2282-0930