Impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with PELF-protocoll versus surgery alone in the treatment of advanced gastric carcinoma.BACKGROUND
 In a retrospective study we analyzed the impact of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (CTx) with the PELF - protocol (Cisplatin, Epirubicin, Leukovorin, 5-Fluoruracil) on mortality, recurrence and prognosis of patients with advanced gastric carcinoma, UICC stages Ib-III.


 Patients staged Ib - III received two cycles of CTx according to the PELF-protocol.  In patients with advanced gastric carcinoma, neoadjuvant CTx with the PELF- protocol significantly reduces the recurrence rate, especially locoregionally, compared to surgery alone. 
PELF-protocol
Tumor staging was performed by endoscopy, endosonography, computed tomography and laparoscopy. 
computed tomography
Tumor staging was performed by endoscopy, endosonography, computed tomography and laparoscopy. 
laparoscopy
Tumor staging was performed by endoscopy, endosonography, computed tomography and laparoscopy. 
endosonography
Tumor staging was performed by endoscopy, endosonography, computed tomography and laparoscopy. 
endoscopy