Postoperative Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer Should Be Managed by Oncology or Surgery

After undergoing surgery for gastric cancer, patients requiring chemotherapy should seek treatment from the oncology department or gastroenterology unit. The specific department may vary depending on the hospital's internal structure and specialization, but generally, oncology manages such cases. Chemotherapy is considered an adjuvant treatment in the overall management of gastric cancer.

Patients who have undergone curative surgery without evidence of metastasis typically do not require chemotherapy. However, if metastatic lesions are present, adjuvant chemotherapy becomes necessary. This treatment can be administered before, during, or after surgery, depending on the clinical scenario.

The primary goal of chemotherapy is to limit the spread of cancer, eliminate residual cancer cells, and reduce the risk of recurrence and metastasis. In patients with advanced gastric cancer, chemotherapy aims to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and potentially extend survival.

It is important for patients to follow a personalized treatment plan designed by an experienced oncologist. Each case is unique, and the decision to proceed with chemotherapy should be based on a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's condition, including tumor stage, overall health, and individual preferences.