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Stomach Cancer: A Comprehensive Overview of Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management

Early Detection and Effective Treatment

Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a prevalent malignancy with a varying prevalence worldwide. Early detection and timely intervention play a critical role in improving patient outcomes. This concise article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the latest advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer.

Diagnostic Biomarkers

Specific Tumor Markers

Advances in molecular biology have led to the identification of various tumor markers linked to stomach cancer. These markers can be detected in blood, stool, or tissue samples and aid in early detection and disease monitoring. Some commonly used markers include carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and pepsinogen.

Next-Generation Sequencing

Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionized cancer diagnosis by allowing for the analysis of multiple genes simultaneously. This advanced technique can identify genetic alterations, mutations, and rearrangements associated with stomach cancer, enabling personalized treatment strategies.

Treatment Options

Surgical Intervention

Surgery remains the primary treatment for early-stage stomach cancer. The type of surgery performed depends on the tumor location, size, and spread. Techniques may include endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), or gastrectomy, which involves the removal of part or all of the stomach.

Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Targeted therapy employs drugs that specifically inhibit molecular targets involved in stomach cancer growth and progression. These therapies can be administered in combination with surgery or as standalone treatments.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab, have shown promising results in treating advanced stomach cancer by reactivating the immune response against tumor cells.

Conclusion

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of stomach cancer have significantly improved patient outcomes. The advent of novel biomarkers, genetic sequencing, and targeted therapies has revolutionized early detection, personalized treatment selection, and disease management. However, further research is necessary to refine existing strategies, explore novel therapeutic approaches, and ultimately eradicate this deadly disease.