How Does Chemotherapy Work for Gastric Cancer?



Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, can be challenging to treat, but chemotherapy offers a powerful weapon in the fight against this disease. Consulting a gastrointestinal cancer doctor in Kolkata can provide insights into how chemotherapy works for gastric cancer.

What is Chemotherapy?
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. These drugs can be administered orally or intravenously and target and kill rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.

How Does Chemotherapy Target Gastric Cancer?

Interfering with Cell Division
Chemotherapy drugs disrupt cell division. Cancer cells divide more rapidly than most normal cells, making them especially vulnerable to these drugs. By interfering with their ability to reproduce, chemotherapy can shrink tumours and slow the progression of the disease.

Damaging Cancer Cell DNA
Chemotherapy drugs can damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from growing and dividing. This damage can trigger cell death, effectively reducing the number of cancer cells in the body.

Preventing Metastasis
One significant concern for gastric cancer is the spread of cancer cells to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy by an expert cancer doctor in Kolkata can help prevent metastasis by targeting cancer cells that may have spread beyond the stomach, thus controlling the spread of the disease.

Treatment Process

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink the tumour, making it easier to remove. This approach can improve surgical outcomes and increase the chances of complete tumour removal.

Adjuvant Chemotherapy
After surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy is used to kill any remaining cancer cells. This helps reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and increases the chances of long-term survival.

Conclusion
Chemotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of gastric cancer by targeting and destroying cancer cells, reducing tumour size, and preventing metastasis. For those seeking expert care, consulting a gastrointestinal cancer doctor in Kolkata can offer comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.

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