[Combined treatment of gastric cancer using hypoxic radiotherapy]

Application of preoperative large-field hypoxyradiotherapy using 8% O2 mixture for inhalation and radiation (4 Gy three times a week, total focal dose--40 Gy in 10 fractions) for combined treatment of gastric cancer was pioneered in the clinic. The procedure assured a drop in the frequency of general radiation reaction as compared to irradiation under normal air condition (total focal dose--32 Gy in 8 fractions). Moreover, a 17% increase in resection rate was achieved due to regression of primary tumor and metastases. Survival was found double that following surgery. The modality was not associated with higher postoperative complication and lethality rates.