Effect of Minimally Invasive Gastrectomy on Return to Intended Oncologic Therapy for Gastric Cancer

Adjuvant chemotherapy offers survival benefit to patients with gastric cancer. Only 50-65% of patients who undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy and gastrectomy are able to receive adjuvant therapy. It is optimal to start adjuvant therapy within 8 weeks after gastrectomy. We compared the rate of return to intended oncologic therapy (RIOT) between minimally invasive gastrectomy (MIG) and open gastrectomy (OG).

Retrospectively, we analyzed patients who underwent gastrectomy within a multi-hospital university-based health system (2019-2022). Data on patient demographics, comorbid conditions, operative approach, and postoperative outcomes were assessed with univariate analysis and multivariable analysis (MVA) to determine the association with RIOT.

Among 87 eligible patients, 33 underwent MIG and 54 underwent OG. There were no differences in demographics, performance status, comorbid conditions, or type of gastrectomy between the two groups. MIG patients were significantly more likely to RIOT compared with OG patients (87.9% vs. 63%, p = 0.003), with 73.1% of MIG patients starting adjuvant therapy within 8 weeks compared with 53.1% of OG patients. Factors associated with higher odds of RIOT included MIG and age <65 years, while major postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo grade ≥IIIa) was associated with lower odds of RIOT. On MVA, MIG was independently associated with higher odds of RIOT compared with OG (odds ratio 6.05, 95% confidence interval 1.47-24.78, p = 0.008).

The minimally invasive approach may benefit patients undergoing gastrectomy, irrespective of the extent of gastric resection for adenocarcinoma. MIG is associated with a higher likelihood of (1) RIOT and (2) starting adjuvant therapy within the optimal time period after gastrectomy.