Stomach cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer, affecting people worldwide. It is also the most difficult to treat and has a high mortality rate, which means that it can be a life-changing event. At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we are committed to providing the best possible care for patients with stomach cancer, from early diagnosis through the treatment and recovery process.
Stage 4 stomach cancer refers to the most advanced stage of the disease, which means that it has spread from the original stomach tumor to other organs or tissues. This is often called metastatic stomach cancer, and it is much harder to treat than a stage 1 or 2 stomach cancer.
When a patient is diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer, there are many different treatment options that may be available to them. These include surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. These treatments can help control the cancer, relieve symptoms, improve quality of life and extend a patient’s survival.
The most common type of treatment for stomach cancer is surgery, which removes the stomach and nearby lymph nodes. After surgery, patients may be given chemotherapy medicines that can kill cancer cells in the stomach and other parts of the body.
Another type of treatment is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which puts heated cancer drugs directly into the belly. This can be done after surgery or right before it.
Chemotherapy that travels through the body is a common treatment for stage 4 stomach cancer, and it can be used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery. This type of treatment can be effective in shrinking the cancer and relieving symptoms, but it can cause side effects, such as nausea and vomiting.
Immunotherapy drugs that use the body’s own immune system to fight the cancer are another treatment option. These medicines can be helpful for people with advanced stomach cancer and they have fewer side effects than some other types of cancer treatment.
Some people with stage 4 stomach cancer have no choice but to undergo palliative treatment, which involves easing the pain and other side effects. They can also get dietary and lifestyle advice, which may help them feel better for longer.
The five-year survival rate for people with stage 4 stomach cancer is low, but it can be improved by combining the right treatment with diet and lifestyle changes. For instance, cutting down on sugar and alcohol and eating a balanced diet may help reduce the risk of cancer returning in the future.
When you’re diagnosed with stomach cancer, your doctor will stage it using a system that gives numbers to the size of the primary tumor, whether or not it has spread to nearby lymph nodes and whether or not it has metastasized (spread outside of the original stomach) or is still in the original stomach tissue. This is known as the TNM staging system.
The TNM staging system helps doctors determine the most appropriate treatment for you and your particular situation, and it is an important part of working out your prognosis. Your doctor will consider your test results; the type of cancer; how large the tumor is and where it has grown into other parts of the stomach; whether or not it has spread to nearby lymph Nodes; and your age, level of fitness and medical history.
