What is the difference between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer?

What is the difference between chemotherapy and no chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer?

The differences between chemotherapy and non-chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer are generally large, mainly reflected in survival, quality of life, and patient psychological state, as follows:

1. Survival

Patients with advanced gastric cancer can effectively prolong their life span by helping to control the metastasis and spread of cancer cells. However, without chemotherapy, cancer cells progress rapidly and are difficult to suppress, and their life span is usually short.

2. Quality of life

Patients with advanced gastric cancer may experience symptoms such as pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue. At this time, chemotherapy can inhibit the progression of the disease and help patients relieve uncomfortable symptoms, thereby improving their quality of life. Without chemotherapy, the quality of life will be significantly reduced.

3. The patient’s mental state

When patients with advanced gastric cancer receive chemotherapy, some may experience fear and anxiety due to fear of the side effects of chemotherapy. Patients who do not receive chemotherapy generally do not experience this phenomenon.

In addition to the common differences mentioned above, there are also certain differences in adverse reactions. Patients receiving chemotherapy may experience adverse reactions such as bone marrow suppression, gastrointestinal reactions, and cardiac toxicity. Patients who do not receive chemotherapy generally do not have such reactions, and only experience gastric cancer-related symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, weight loss, anemia, and anorexia. Patients should choose the appropriate treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor to relieve discomfort and prolong the life cycle.