Gastric cancer patients' survival with neoadjuvant chemotherapy versus direct surgery

Despite these theoretical advantages, there is still a lack of evidence to answer whether NeoAdjuvant Chemotherapy (NAC) can further improve the survival of Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer (LAGC) patients on the basis of Adjuvant Chemotherapy (AC) following curative gastrectomy. The present research assessed the 36-month survival of gastric cancer patients treated in our center with and without NAC and over-all 36-month survival.

The present research assessed the 36-month survival of gastric cancer patients treated in our center with and without NAC and over-all 36-month survival. 79 patients entered this study, of whom 64 received NAC and 15 underwent direct surgery.

Generally, the three-year survival rate in the groups was statistically different based on the Wilcoxon test (P 0.004). NAC was effective in increasing survival in the groups with lymph o vascular invasion, higher stage and all pathologic groups. However, age, type of surgery (TG vs DG), number of positive lymph nodes, and positive margin after surgery were not effective in interfering with survival in both groups. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy can positively increase OS and DFS in locally advanced gastric cancer. NAC was effective in increasing survival in the groups with lymph o vascular invasion, higher stage and all pathologic groups.

Considering the similar results in previous studies, larger prospective studies with accurate information can effectively achieve definitive results. However, age, type of surgery (TG vs DG), number of positive lymph nodes, positive margin after surgery were not effective interfering with survival in both groups.