Systemic therapy for gastric cancer and adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction: present status and future directions

Abstract

Gastric cancer is a major worldwide problem and is a leading cause of death. The incidence of distal gastric cancer is declining; however, there has been a rapid rise in the incidence of adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction, which is a more aggressive entity. Combination chemotherapy has significant activity in the treatment of both of these diseases, improving overall survival and quality of life. Despite these improvements, median survival remains at ∼ 9 months in patients who are diagnosed at stage IV. This review examines recent advances in the treatment of gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma and gastric cancer, newer agents and the potential agents that are in development, which can be logically applied to the treatment of this devastating disease.

Keywords::

• adenocarcinoma
• gastric
• histologies
• targeted agent

Disclosure

DA Richards, MD is a consultant for Eli Lilly and Co. and is on the Speaker’s Board for sanofi-aventis. SP Anthony, MD is on Halozyme’s Advisory Board. K Boehm has no potential conflicts of interest.