Preliminary results of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in resectable gastric cancer

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) for resectable gastric cancer (GC) has demonstrated benefits in survival rates in key studies. The safety and risks of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) remain a matter of debate. Objective. Evaluate the immediate results of chemotherapy in resectable gastric cancer. Material and methods. The retrospective analysis included 247 patients who underwent combined treatment for resectable GC. 149 patients went to the NAC group, 98 patients to the adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) group. Complications were assessed using the Clavien-Dindo intraoperative risk scale, the degree of pathomorphological response was assessed using the Mandart scale, and adherence to AC was determined. Results. Complications of NAC were reported in 36 (24.2%) patients, and no cases of severe toxicity or mortality were detected. A pronounced pathomorphological effect (TRG 1—2) was detected in 37 (25.0%) patients. Clinically significant postoperative complications (Clavien-Dindo>II) were reported in 9.4% in the NAC group and in 15.3% in the AC group. Pathomorphological stage I was registered in 30.9% of the NAC group compared with 5.1% in the AC group (p<0.001). Conclusion. Conducting NACT in gastric cancer demonstrates an acceptable toxicity profile and provides a pronounced pathomorphological effect without increasing surgical risks.