Gastric Cancer Conversion Therapy: How Effective Is It?

Conversion therapy for gastric cancer has shown promising results, particularly for patients initially diagnosed with unresectable or metastatic disease. These cases are often classified as locally advanced or late-stage gastric cancer, meaning surgical removal is not immediately feasible. The goal of conversion therapy is to shrink tumors and reduce metastases through a combination of treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation, making the cancer operable and potentially curable.

Patients who respond well to conversion therapy may become eligible for surgery. In such cases, the primary tumor and distant lesions may shrink significantly, turning into isolated, resectable masses. This transformation allows for radical surgical intervention, which can dramatically improve long-term outcomes.

However, not all patients respond to conversion therapy, and success varies depending on individual factors such as tumor biology, overall health, and treatment response. Despite this, patients who undergo successful conversion therapy followed by surgery tend to have better prognoses. Research indicates that those who receive conversion therapy before surgical removal may experience a survival extension of one-third to two-thirds compared to those who don't undergo such treatment.

For patients with initially inoperable gastric cancer, aggressive and timely conversion therapy can be a critical step toward achieving a curative outcome. It's essential for medical teams to closely monitor treatment response and adjust strategies accordingly to maximize the chances of successful surgical intervention.