Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Percutaneous Hepatic Perfusion (PHP) with Melphalan as a Treatment for Unresectable Metastases Confined to the Liver
Published on: July 31, 2016
Systemic chemotherapy does not increase the risk of gastrointestinal perforation
T R Asmis1, M Capanu, D P Kelsen
1Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA.
Background:
Gastrointestinal perforation is a rare complication of gastric cancer. Although there is the perception of chemotherapy aggravating the perforation risk, the rate of perforation in patients with gastric cancer receiving chemotherapy is unknown. This study describes the incidence and clinical course of patients with gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) carcinoma who experience a perforation while receiving chemotherapy.
Patients And Methods:
The records of patients with gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma over a 6-year period who received chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic disease were reviewed. Extracted information included demographics, treatment received, and overall survival was calculated.
Results:
1032 patients at MSKCC received systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ carcinoma; 11 patients experienced a perforation (1.1%, 95% CI 0.5-1.9%); 5/11 (45%) patients received further chemotherapy and had a median survival of 5.6 months.
Conclusions:
The rate of perforation in patients with advanced GEJ/gastric adenocarcinoma receiving chemotherapy is 1.1%, which is the same rate as in surgical series of patients presenting with perforation. Chemotherapy does not significantly add to the risk of gastrointestinal perforation.
Related Concept Videos
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Esophageal Perforation-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Clinical Manifestations:
Esophageal Perforation-I: Introduction
The location of esophageal perforation can vary, occurring anywhere along the esophagus.
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...