How many courses of chemotherapy are generally required for gastric cancer?

Generally, for early-stage gastric cancer, if the patient's physical condition is relatively good, a typical course of treatment involves 4–6 cycles. However, for middle- to late-stage gastric cancer or patients with poor physical tolerance, 6–8 cycles or even more may be required. Detailed explanations are as follows:

For early-stage gastric cancer, if radical surgery has been performed, there are relatively fewer residual cancer cells in the body and the patient generally has good physical condition and can tolerate the side effects of chemotherapy drugs. In such cases, adjuvant chemotherapy after surgery usually consists of 4–6 cycles. These cycles of chemotherapy can more effectively eliminate any potentially remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

However, for middle- to late-stage gastric cancer—particularly when radical surgery cannot be performed and palliative chemotherapy is adopted—or for patients with poor physical tolerance, 6–8 cycles or even more may be necessary. At this stage, the main goal is to control tumor growth, alleviate symptoms, and prolong survival as much as possible.

During chemotherapy for gastric cancer, patients should choose bland, easily digestible, and nutritionally rich foods, such as rice porridge, soft noodles, and steamed egg custard. They should avoid greasy, spicy, or strongly irritating foods to prevent worsening gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, it is important to closely monitor various symptoms and side effects that may occur during chemotherapy, such as nausea, vomiting, hair loss, and oral ulcers, and promptly report these to the doctor for possible adjustment of the chemotherapy regimen or corresponding treatment measures.