A stomach cancer diagnosis is concerning and may have wide-ranging impacts for you and your loved ones. You may have many questions, including wanting to know more about everything from treatment and beyond.
At the OSUCCC – James, a multidisciplinary team of stomach cancer experts works together — including medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgeons, nutritionists and more — to develop a personalized treatment plan specific to your stomach cancer.
Depending on your diagnosis and the stage of your stomach cancer, specialists at the OSUCCC – James may recommend one or more treatment options. In addition, The James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center is a comprehensive care option that offers a variety of services if you’ve been diagnosed with stomach cancer. The team of experts spans a wide range of disciplines and includes specialists who are committed to treating your stomach cancer. Their collective goal is to ensure you receive the best possible care.
Treatment options for stomach cancer
In most diagnoses, surgery is the recommended treatment option for stomach cancer. Surgery may also be used in combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Surgery options may include:
Subtotal (partial) gastrectomy
A partial gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that removes part of the stomach where cancer is present with nearby lymph nodes. Additionally, parts of tissue and organs near the tumor may be removed as well. This is not a sleeve gastrectomy, which is a weight loss procedure.
Total gastrectomy
In this procedure, the entire stomach, part of the esophagus, nearby lymph nodes, parts of the small intestine, and other tissues near the tumor are surgically removed. As part of the procedure, the small intestine and esophagus are reconnected so that you can continue to eat and swallow.
Removal of the lymph nodes is a critical part of these surgical procedures and can contribute to the overall success of the operation. If surgery is not an option or cancer can’t be completely removed with surgery, other options may be pursued.
If total removal of your stomach is required during surgery, your doctor and surgical team will develop a new way for you to eat and digest food. Following the procedure, you may have to make lifestyle changes that include a new diet or eating habits (such as eating less often, smaller portions and a reduction in sugar intake).
Endoluminal stent placement
If a tumor is blocking the flow of liquid and food through your digestive tract, this procedure may be recommended — endoluminal stenting places a thin, expandable tube into either the esophagus, upper or lower stomach, or upper intestine so that you can eat and swallow.
Gastrojejunostomy
This procedure connects your small intestine to your upper stomach, allowing an alternate route for food and liquid to pass if there is a blockage in your lower stomach preventing you from being able to eat and swallow. It is also sometimes used after a portion of your stomach is removed to allow a new way for your digestive tract to be connected.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy drugs are administered to stop the growth of cancer cells and may be recommended by your doctor in addition to surgery. These drugs may be given orally or via injection. Systemic chemotherapy involves drugs administered through the bloodstream to stop cancer cells, while combination chemotherapy is the use of more than one anti-cancer drug. The timing of chemotherapy before or after surgery will be determined by your cancer team.
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy involves high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells or stop them from growing. The type of radiation therapy you receive will depend on the stage of your cancer. The OSUCCC – James offers the latest advancements in radiation treatment for stomach cancer, including:
- External beam radiation therapy
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy
- Stereotactic body radiation therapy
- Image-guided radiation therapy
Targeted therapy
Targeted therapies target and attack cancerous cells without harming nearby healthy cells. These drugs may have less severe side effects than chemotherapy drugs, while still stopping cancer cells from growing.
Research and clinical trials for stomach cancer
At the OSUCCC – James, our team of renowned cancer experts are committed to research and development of new methods of treatment and potentially a cure for stomach cancer. This dedicated team is focused solely on stomach cancer as part of the James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center, which is on the eighth floor of The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center Martha Morehouse Outpatient Care.
In addition to providing comprehensive care for stomach cancer, The James Gastrointestinal Cancer Center is actively involved in hundreds of clinical trials, some of which are for stomach cancer.
The OSUCCC – James provides access to more clinical trials than at nearly any other hospital in the region, offering some of the most advanced, targeted treatments available. Because of the OSUCCC – James’ National Cancer Institute (NCI) phase I and phase II approvals, these experts can move research discoveries into clinical trials and make them available sooner to patients.
If you have received a stomach cancer diagnosis, we are here to help. Call toll free 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 (Ohio) to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Stomach Cancer Prevention and Risk Factors
Stomach Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinical Research