Chemotherapy for stomach cancer
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. For stomach cancer it may be used on its own, or with surgery, radiotherapy or a targeted therapy drug.
What is chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer (cytotoxic) drugs to destroy cancer cells. It may be used on its own, or with surgery, radiotherapy or a targeted therapy drug.
When chemotherapy is used for stomach cancer
Chemotherapy for stomach cancer may be given:
- both before and after surgery (perioperative chemotherapy)
- after surgery (adjuvant chemotherapy)
- with radiotherapy (chemoradiation)
- on its own or with immunotherapy or targeted therapy (palliative treatment).
Perioperative chemotherapy
When chemotherapy is used both before and after surgery, it is called perioperative chemotherapy. This treatment shrinks the tumour to make surgery more effective. This reduces the chance of the cancer coming back. You usually have chemotherapy for 2 to 3 months before the operation, and again for 2 to 3 months after it.
Adjuvant chemotherapy
When chemotherapy is used after surgery, it is called adjuvant chemotherapy. Adjuvant chemotherapy may be given to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
Palliative chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can be used as the main treatment:
- if the cancer cannot be removed by surgery
- to control cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (advanced cancer).
You may have more than 1 course of chemotherapy. It can help control the cancer and reduce symptoms. Some people have a targeted therapy drug called trastuzumab or an immunotherapy drug called nivolumab as well as chemotherapy. You will have tests first to find out if trastuzumab or nivolumab is a suitable treatment for you.
Related pages
Chemotherapy drugs used for treating stomach cancer
Usually, a combination of drugs is used to treat stomach cancer. The chemotherapy drugs most commonly used are:
Other drugs that may be used are:
Treatments are sometimes named after the initials of the drugs included. One example is FLOT, which uses:
- fluorouracil (5FU)
- folinic acid (leucovorin)
- oxaliplatin
- docetaxel (Taxotere®).
How chemotherapy is given
You usually have chemotherapy treatment in a chemotherapy day unit. This means you can go home on the same day.
After each session, you usually have a rest period of a few weeks. This allows your body to recover from the side effects. The treatment and the rest period make up a cycle of treatment. Your specialist will talk to you about this and tell you how many cycles you are likely to have.
You have the chemotherapy drugs given into a vein (intravenously) or as tablets. Stomach cancer is sometimes treated with a combination of both.
We have more information about how chemotherapy is given.
Related pages
Booklets and resources
About our information
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer.
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our stomach cancer information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at informationproductionteam@macmillan.org.uk
Lordick F, Carneiro S, Cascinu T, Fleitas K, Haustermans G, Piessen A, et al. Gastric cancer: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up. Annals of Oncology. 2022;33(10): 1005–1020. Available from www.doi.org/10.1016/j.annonc.2022.07.004 [accessed July 2023].
National Institute for Care and Health Excellence. Oesophago-gastric cancer: assessment and management in adults NICE guideline [NG83]. 2018. Available from www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng83 [accessed July 2023].
Dr Chris Jones
Reviewer
Speciality Registrar in Clinical Oncologist and Clinical Lecturer in Clinical Oncology
Date reviewed
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