[Discussion for gastric cancer treatment guidelines in Japan]

The Japan Gastric Cancer Association issued the first version of Gastric Cancer treatment guidelines in March 2001 and those for patients in December 2001. These guidelines aim to reduce differences in treatment selection by institutions and doctors by to provide standard indication for doctors and patients. This guidelines show treatment indications according to the clinical stages of disease. If doctors are planning to offer treatments different from those in the guidelines, they are expected to explain the reasons for this difference to patients. The advantages and disadvantages of the guidelines had been discussed in developing committee and symposium of Japanese gastric cancer association. In these guidelines for patients, [there is no evidence to prevent gastric cancer by Helicobacter pylori eradication.]. But, many studies have yielded a positive relationship between Helicobacter pylori and gastric cancer. These gastric cancer treatment guidelines are significant in every respect, especially medical care and informed consent. Treatment guidelines should be revised associated with developments in the treatment of gastric cancer.