Chemotherapy Duration After Gastric Cancer Surgery

Following gastric cancer surgery, chemotherapy typically begins about one month post-operation. The length of treatment depends on the patient's overall condition and the specific chemotherapy regimen prescribed. For early or locally advanced gastric cancer, oral chemotherapy may be used and usually continues for approximately one year.

In more advanced cases, such as stage III or higher, combination chemotherapy—using two or more drugs—is often recommended. This type of treatment generally lasts around six months and consists of 6 to 8 cycles. For patients with late-stage tumors, the treatment duration may be extended further based on individual response and disease progression.

Stage III C patients often require additional maintenance therapy, which may include one year of oral chemotherapy following the initial six months of combination treatment. For those at high risk of peritoneal recurrence or metastasis, continued oral chemotherapy beyond the initial one-year period may be advised, especially if side effects are manageable and there is no evidence of disease recurrence.

Each patient's chemotherapy plan should be tailored to their specific medical condition, under the supervision of an oncologist. Regular follow-ups and imaging tests are important to evaluate treatment effectiveness and adjust the plan as needed.