Follow-Up and Strategies After Curative Surgical Resection for Gastric Cancer

With advances in gastric cancer treatment, survival outcomes following surgery have improved; however, recurrence remains a significant challenge. Postoperative follow-up is crucial for the early detection of recurrence, enabling timely intervention and improving long-term survival. In patients who undergo curative resection of gastric cancer, postoperative surveillance typically includes regular esophagogastroduodenoscopy, blood tests-including tumor marker assessments-and imaging studies such as computed tomography. However, there is limited evidence that such follow-up strategies contribute to improved long-term survival. Multiple international guidelines recommend postoperative follow-up schedules and strategies based on retrospective studies and expert opinions. The impact of Helicobacter pylori eradication on long-term outcomes after gastric cancer surgery remains a subject of ongoing debate. Secondary primary cancer following gastric cancer treatment is another issue during postoperative follow-up. Optimizing follow-ups using an individualized, evidence-based approach is crucial.