Treatment Strategies for Metastatic Gastric Cancer: Chemotherapy, Palliative Surgery or Radiotherapy?

Abstract

<b>Aim:</b> This study explored whether chemotherapy combined with palliative surgery and/or radiotherapy is a possible treatment for metastatic gastric cancer. <b>Materials & methods:</b> Patients were divided into groups according to treatments. COX models were used to explore prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier models and log-rank tests were used to analyze outcomes. Outcomes were analyzed before and after propensity score matching. <b>Results:</b> Chemotherapy combined with gastrectomy or metastasectomy prolongs the survival time compared with chemotherapy alone (p < 0.05). Chemotherapy combined with gastrectomy plus metastasectomy and/or radiation therapy also prolongs the survival time (p < 0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> Chemotherapy combined with gastrectomy could be a more effective treatment for metastatic gastric cancer. Chemotherapy combined with gastrectomy plus metastasectomy and/or radiation therapy could also be a promising treatment.