Current status of chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer

A review of the current status of chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer is presented. Results of recent randomized trials have questioned the merits of the most commonly used chemotherapy protocols such as combinations of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin with mitomycin C or a nitrosourea (FAM, MeFA, FAB) over 5-FU alone. Results of new ("second generation") protocols and the impact of these results on future trials in an adjuvant setting and in advanced disease are discussed. For the time being no "standard" chemotherapy can be advocated and patients should preferably be treated in clinical trials.