Ongoing surgical clinical trials on minimally invasive surgery for gastric cancer: Korea

Area of Science:

• Surgical Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• The Korean Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study (KLASS) group has been active since 2003.
• Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gastric cancer is increasingly recognized.
• Evidence is expanding the indications for MIS in gastric cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current status of ongoing clinical trials on MIS for gastric cancer in Korea.
• To evaluate the oncologic safety and feasibility of MIS for gastric cancer.
• To highlight the role of the KLASS group and other expert surgeons in advancing MIS.

Main Methods:

• Review of ongoing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in Korea.
• Analysis of studies evaluating oncologic safety and feasibility.
• Focus on trials conducted by the KLASS group and other expert surgeons.

Main Results:

• MIS is considered a standard treatment for early gastric cancer (EGC).
• The scope of MIS for gastric cancer is expanding based on accumulating evidence.
• Several RCTs have been completed or are in progress in Korea.

Conclusions:

• MIS is a well-established and evolving treatment modality for gastric cancer in Korea.
• Ongoing clinical trials are crucial for further validating and expanding MIS indications.
• The KLASS group and Korean surgeons are pivotal in advancing MIS for gastric cancer.