[Advanced gastric cancer successfully treated by TS-1--case report]

A 73-year-old woman came to our hospital because of poor appetite, and careful examination revealed a Borrmann type 2 tumor on the posterior wall of the lower body of the stomach as well as enlarged para aortic-lymph nodes. Surgery was performed in November 2000, but because the para-aortic lymph nodes were densely adherent to the aorta, it was impossible to dissect the lymph nodes from the wall (N3, Stage IV). Postoperatively, a course of TS-1 100 mg/day for 4 weeks and discontinuation for 2 weeks was started. After one course of TS-1, the enlarged para-aortic lymph nodes were no longer seen on abdominal computed tomography (CT). The dose of TS-1 was subsequently reduced to 80 mg/day because of adverse effects. Although the patient is still taking TS-1, she is well with no signs of recurrence 34 months after surgery.