Gastric Cancer Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology

Carcinomas originating in the upper gastrointestinal tract constitute a major health problem around the world. In fact, experts estimate that approximately 34,700 new cases of upper gastrointestinal carcinomas and 25,000 deaths will have occurred in the United States in 2002. This article summarizes the NCCN clinical practice guidelines for managing gastric cancer, which portray uniformity in the systemic approach to cancer in the United States. The article also discusses anticipated future advances in the treatment of gastric carcinoma. For the most recent version of the guidelines, please visit NCCN.org