Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world.~The American Cancer Society estimates that about 26,560 cases of stomach cancer (16,160 in men and 10,400 in women) will be diagnosed in 2021. Median age at diagnosis is 68 years.~Decreases in gastric cancer have been attributed in part to widespread use of refrigeration. Other factors likely contributing to the decline in stomach cancer rates include lower rates of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, thanks to improved sanitation and use of antibiotics, and increased screening in some countries.~Surgical resection is the principal therapy for gastric cancer, as it offers the only potential for cure.~Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has an established role in the management of gastric cancer. Perioperative chemotherapy, or postoperative chemotherapy plus chemoradiation, are preferred for localized gastric cancer. Because of lower toxicity, two-drug cytotoxic regimens are preferred for patients with advanced disease.~Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improvements in both overall and relapse-free survival and reductions in locoregional failure.
Gastric cancer is the sixth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death in the world.~The American Cancer Society estimates that about 26,560 cases of stomach cancer (16,160 in men and 10,400 in women) will be diagnosed in 2021. Median age at diagnosis is 68 years.~Decreases in gastric cancer have been attributed in part to widespread use of refrigeration. Other factors likely contributing to the decline in stomach cancer rates include lower rates of chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, thanks to improved sanitation and use of antibiotics, and increased screening in some countries.~Surgical resection is the principal therapy for gastric cancer, as it offers the only potential for cure.~Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has an established role in the management of gastric cancer. Perioperative chemotherapy, or postoperative chemotherapy plus chemoradiation, are preferred for localized gastric cancer. Because of lower toxicity, two-drug cytotoxic regimens are preferred for patients with advanced disease.~Adjuvant radiotherapy is associated with improvements in both overall and relapse-free survival and reductions in locoregional failure.