Topic: Advances in the Minimally Invasive Management of Gastric and Esophagogastric Junction Cancer

Management of gastric and gastroesophageal cancers is a complex, evolving paradigm. Data are conflicting with regard to the specific roles of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, particularly between Asian and Western studies. In gastric cancer, there are more patients with gastric cancer of early stage than before. Minimally invasive surgery is widely used in the treatment of these patients. Advanced gastric cancer may need chemotherapy with or without radiation, followed by surgery. Gastroesophageal junction tumors have been increasing in incidence over time, with most tumors presenting at a locally advanced stage. The treatment plan depends on the stage at diagnosis. Minimally invasive surgery can be done in most of early stage gastric and gastroesophageal junction tumors and also can be successfully applied to advanced gastric cancer with increasing experience. Minimally invasive management of gastric and gastroesophageal cancer has progressed rapidly with development of surgical instruments and techniques, especially in Asian countries, which helps decrease postoperative length of stay and morbidity from surgery. The overall aim of this Special Issue is to present and discuss recent advances in the minimally invasive management of patients with gastric and esophagogastric junction cancer.

Minimally invasive surgery, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal cancer

31 Dec 2018