Treatment Options for Stomach Cancer at Different Stages

Stomach cancer can be treated in various ways depending on the stage of the disease. Here's a detailed breakdown of the treatment options available for each stage:

Early-Stage Stomach Cancer

For early-stage cases, such as localized or in situ cancer, minimally invasive procedures like endoscopic resection are often effective. Patients diagnosed at this stage have a high chance of long-term survival—up to 95% five-year survival rates are common. In some cases, laparoscopic surgery may also be performed. Fortunately, most patients do not require additional therapies like chemotherapy after surgery.

Middle-Stage Stomach Cancer

At this stage, many patients are still candidates for surgical removal of the tumor through minimally invasive techniques. However, some individuals may need neoadjuvant therapy—such as chemotherapy or radiation—before surgery to shrink the tumor. After the operation, further treatments like chemotherapy or targeted therapy are usually recommended to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Late-Stage Stomach Cancer

For advanced or metastatic stomach cancer, treatment goals shift toward symptom relief and improving quality of life. Palliative procedures such as placing stents in the gastrointestinal or biliary tract can help manage blockages. Surgical bypasses may also be used to address eating and digestion difficulties. In certain cases where the patient's health allows, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or systemic chemotherapy may be considered to slow disease progression and improve comfort.