Stomach cancer, also known as gastric cancer, is a type of cancer that begins in the stomach lining. While it is relatively rare in some parts of the world, its incidence has been rising in others, making it a pressing concern in the global health landscape. Early detection and proper treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis of patients diagnosed with stomach cancer. Over the years, treatment options for stomach cancer have evolved, offering hope for better outcomes.
In this blog, we will explore the new treatment options available for stomach cancer, the role of innovation in treatment modalities, and the significance of understanding stomach cancer treatment cost in India for those seeking treatment in the country.
What Is Stomach Cancer?
Stomach cancer develops when abnormal cells in the stomach lining grow uncontrollably. It can start in any part of the stomach and spread to nearby organs and lymph nodes. Risk factors for stomach cancer include age, family history, infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria, smoking, and a diet rich in salted, smoked, and pickled foods.
The symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and can mimic other common gastrointestinal issues. This makes early diagnosis difficult, which is why a large number of cases are diagnosed at later stages, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Traditional Treatments for Stomach Cancer
Treatment for stomach cancer generally involves surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and targeted therapy. Historically, the standard approach has included a combination of these treatments depending on the stage and location of the cancer:
- Surgery: For localized cancers, surgery to remove the tumor is often the first line of treatment. This could involve partial or total removal of the stomach, depending on the cancer’s extent.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells. It can be administered before or after surgery, or in cases where surgery is not possible.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to treat any remaining cancer cells after surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: This newer approach focuses on targeting specific molecules that drive cancer growth, offering a more precise method of treating the disease.
While these treatments have been the mainstay of stomach cancer therapy, newer, more advanced options are now available, giving patients more hope and improving survival rates.
New Treatment for Stomach Cancer
The field of stomach cancer treatment has seen significant advancements in recent years, leading to new therapies that are helping patients live longer and healthier lives. Below are some of the most promising new treatments for stomach cancer:
1. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is one of the most exciting new treatments for various cancers, including stomach cancer. This therapy boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells. In particular, immune checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo) have shown promise in treating advanced stages of stomach cancer.
These drugs work by blocking certain proteins that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. In cases where stomach cancer is not responding to traditional treatments, immunotherapy has provided significant improvements in survival rates, especially for patients with specific genetic mutations or those who have failed chemotherapy.
2. Targeted Therapies
Targeted therapies are designed to interfere with specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth. In stomach cancer, targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin) and ramucirumab (Cyramza) have proven effective, particularly for patients with HER2-positive tumors, a genetic mutation that occurs in some stomach cancers.
These therapies work by either blocking the receptors on cancer cells that help the tumor grow or by inhibiting the blood supply to the tumor, effectively shrinking or slowing down its growth. Targeted therapies are often used in combination with chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
3. Chemoradiation
Chemoradiation is a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which may be used either as a neoadjuvant treatment (before surgery) or as adjuvant treatment (after surgery). This combined approach helps shrink tumors and eliminate any remaining cancer cells post-surgery.
Recent studies have shown that chemoradiation can improve survival rates for certain patients, especially in cases where the cancer is locally advanced or has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
4. Minimally Invasive Surgery
While surgery remains one of the most common treatments for stomach cancer, advancements in surgical techniques have made the process less invasive. Laparoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive surgery, uses smaller incisions and specialized tools to remove the tumor, offering patients a quicker recovery and fewer complications.
In some cases, robotic-assisted surgery may be used, providing surgeons with greater precision and control. These advancements in surgical techniques have helped improve the overall treatment experience for patients.
Stomach Cancer Treatment in India
India has become a hub for advanced cancer treatments, including stomach cancer. With an increasing number of medical institutions adopting the latest technologies and treatment methodologies, patients from around the world are opting for stomach cancer treatment in India.
The country boasts a wide range of skilled oncologists, state-of-the-art medical facilities, and modern treatment options like immunotherapy and targeted therapies. India’s medical industry is also known for offering affordable cancer treatment, making it an attractive destination for international patients.
One of the critical factors that patients need to consider when seeking stomach cancer treatment in India is the stomach cancer treatment cost in India. The treatment costs are significantly lower than in many Western countries, which has made India a popular choice for medical tourism. The overall cost of treatment depends on several factors, including the stage of cancer, the type of treatment required, and the hospital’s reputation.
On average, the cost of stomach cancer treatment in India can range between INR 2,00,000 to INR 10,00,000 (approximately USD 2,500 to USD 12,000), depending on the treatment modality. This includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and other additional expenses. When compared to Western countries, these prices offer significant savings, making India an attractive option for patients seeking world-class treatment at an affordable price.
Conclusion
The landscape of stomach cancer treatment has changed dramatically in recent years, with new therapies like immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and chemoradiation offering patients new hope. These advancements, coupled with the availability of affordable and high-quality treatment in countries like India, have significantly improved the survival rates and quality of life for stomach cancer patients.
For those seeking stomach cancer treatment, it is important to explore all the options available, including newer therapies, and understand the costs involved. With modern medicine continuing to advance, the future looks brighter for those battling stomach cancer, and innovative treatments are paving the way for better outcomes.
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