Stomach Cancer Treatment in the UK: Comprehensive Options for Patients from Russia

Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, presents significant challenges and requires a multifaceted approach to treatment. For patients from Russia seeking advanced care, the UK offers a range of top-tier hospitals and specialized treatments that can provide comprehensive solutions. This blog explores the options available, helping patients navigate their treatment journey with confidence.

Why Consider Treatment in the UK?

The UK is renowned for its advanced healthcare system and cutting-edge medical technologies. British hospitals are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and staffed by leading experts in the field of oncology. For Russian patients, the UK offers several advantages:

• Expertise and Experience: UK hospitals boast a high level of expertise in treating stomach cancer, with experienced oncologists who stay at the forefront of medical research and treatment innovations.
• Comprehensive Care: From initial diagnosis to post-treatment support, UK hospitals provide holistic care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies.
• Language and Support Services: Many UK hospitals offer language support services and have experience working with international patients, ensuring clear communication and personalized care.

A. Surgery

Surgery is often a primary treatment for stomach cancer, especially when the disease is localized. The main goal of surgery is to remove the cancerous tumor and, in some cases, a portion of the surrounding tissue to ensure complete removal.

1. Gastrectomy: 

This surgical procedure involves the removal of part or all of the stomach, depending on the cancer’s location and stage. A partial gastrectomy removes only the section of the stomach containing the tumor, while a total gastrectomy involves the complete removal of the stomach. In the case of a total gastrectomy, the digestive tract is reconstructed by connecting the esophagus directly to the small intestine. This type of surgery is more complex and typically reserved for advanced cases. Recovery from gastrectomy usually involves a hospital stay and a period of adjustment to a modified diet and digestive function.

2. Laparoscopic Surgery: 

Also known as minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopic surgery uses small incisions and specialized instruments to remove the tumor. This approach offers benefits such as less postoperative pain, quicker recovery, and a shorter hospital stay compared to traditional open surgery. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for laparoscopic surgery, as its applicability depends on the tumor's size, location, and stage.

B. Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy

1. Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy involves the use of powerful drugs designed to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells throughout the body. It is used in several contexts depending on the patient’s situation. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumor, making it easier to remove and potentially less invasive. Adjuvant chemotherapy is administered after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. For patients with advanced or metastatic stomach cancer where surgery is no longer an option, palliative chemotherapy is used to control symptoms, reduce tumor size, and improve quality of life. This treatment focuses on alleviating pain and other distressing symptoms rather than curing the cancer.

2. Radiotherapy: 

Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells and is often used in combination with other treatments. External beam radiotherapy involves directing high-energy rays from outside the body toward the tumor site, typically administered in a series of sessions over several weeks. The goal is to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissue while maximizing the impact on cancer cells. Brachytherapy, although less common for stomach cancer, involves placing a radioactive source inside or very close to the tumor. This method delivers high doses of radiation directly to cancer cells while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy tissues. Brachytherapy is used in specific cases where external radiotherapy might not be suitable.

C. Targeted Therapy, Immunotherapy, and Supportive Care

1. Targeted Therapy: 

Targeted therapy focuses on specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer cell growth, offering a more precise approach compared to traditional chemotherapy. Monoclonal antibodies are designed to target and bind to specific proteins in cancer cells or blood vessels that supply tumors. By blocking these proteins, these drugs can inhibit cancer cell growth and enhance the body’s immune response against the tumor. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors block the activity of enzymes known as tyrosine kinases, which are involved in the signalling pathways driving cancer cell proliferation and survival. By inhibiting these enzymes, targeted therapies can reduce tumor growth and spread.

2. Immunotherapy: 

Immunotherapy leverages the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells. Checkpoint inhibitors help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking proteins that inhibit immune responses. This approach has shown promise in treating various cancers, including stomach cancer, by enhancing the immune system’s ability to destroy cancer cells. Cancer vaccines are designed to stimulate the immune system to target specific cancer-related antigens or abnormal cells. These vaccines can be either preventative, reducing the risk of cancer development, or therapeutic, aiming to treat existing cancer. Therapeutic vaccines are still being explored in clinical trials for stomach cancer.

3. Supportive and Palliative Care: 

Supportive care focuses on managing symptoms and improving the quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for stomach cancer. Nutritional support is crucial as cancer and its treatments can significantly impact appetite and digestion. Dietitians work with patients to develop a nutrition plan that maintains strength, manages side effects, and supports overall health. Pain management includes medications, physical therapy, and other interventions to control discomfort and enable patients to maintain daily activities. Psychosocial support provides counselling and support services to help patients and their families cope with the emotional and psychological impact of cancer, offering assistance in managing stress and emotional burdens.

4. Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are research studies that test new treatments or approaches to cancer care. Participating in a clinical trial can provide access to innovative therapies and contribute to advancing medical knowledge. These trials may offer novel drugs, new combinations of existing therapies, or experimental approaches not yet available through standard treatment protocols. Patients interested in clinical trials should discuss options with their healthcare team, as eligibility criteria vary based on the specific trial and the patient’s health status, cancer stage, and treatment history.

Stomach cancer treatment involves a range of options, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, each tailored to the individual patient's condition and needs. Supportive and palliative care plays a crucial role in addressing symptoms and enhancing overall well-being. Clinical trials offer opportunities for accessing new treatments and contributing to the advancement of cancer care. Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team ensures a comprehensive and personalized approach to treatment.