Chemotherapy involves using drugs to destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used after stomach cancer surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells and prevent recurrence (adjuvant treatment). Chemotherapy drugs may be administered orally or through an IV (i.e., through a vein) and treatment often is administered on an outpatient basis.
Chemotherapy drugs target rapidly dividing cells and travel throughout the body via the bloodstream (called systemic treatment). Side effects may be severe and include the following:
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Hair loss
- Increased risk for infection (suppressed immune system)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Reduced red blood cell count (anemia)
Radiation Therapy
Radiation involves using high-energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used after surgery for gastic cancer to destroy remaining cancer cells. In some cases, radiation is administered during surgery for stomach cancer (called intraoperative radiotherapy). Side effects of radiation include fatigue, inflammation, and skin irritation.
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 15 Aug 1999
Reviewed by: Toomas Sorra, M.D., F.A.C.G., Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 24 Aug 2008
Gastric Cancer, Chemotherapy, Radiation Therapy reprinted with permission from oncologychannel.com
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