Gastric Cancer: A Review of Risk Factors and New Insights into Treatment

Abstract

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most frequent cancers in the world, which is ranked the fourth most prevalent cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death. GC is often diagnosed at a progressive phase when the majority of patients are ineligible for remedial therapies in this stage. In addition, the existing systemic chemotherapy exhibits low efficiency and minimum survival benefits. Nowadays, GC therapy is multidisciplinary and multiple option strategies are well-known; therefore, the present study reviewed new insights into chemotherapy agents and various alternative strategies, such as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, nanotherapy, and natural medicines, which are suggested for GC treatment. Moreover, we evaluated current surgical techniques such as endoscopic and laparoscopic resection. We also summarized current findings in pathophysiology, epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention, and screening approaches in GC.