Gastric cancer, commonly referred to as stomach cancer, develops from the lining of the stomach and remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Although its incidence has declined in some regions, it continues to pose a major health burden due to late presentation and aggressive disease behavior. In the UAE and wider Middle East, delayed diagnosis is common, making comprehensive medical oncology care essential for disease control and improved outcomes.

Risk factors for gastric cancer include chronic Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, high-salt and smoked-food diets, obesity, family history, and certain genetic syndromes. Symptoms in early stages are often vague or absent and may include indigestion, bloating, nausea, or mild abdominal discomfort. As the disease progresses, patients may develop significant weight loss, persistent abdominal pain, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, anemia, or gastrointestinal bleeding.

Medical oncology plays a central role in gastric cancer management across all stages. Systemic therapy is commonly used before surgery to shrink tumors, after surgery to reduce recurrence risk, or as the primary treatment for advanced and metastatic disease. Chemotherapy remains the backbone of treatment and is typically administered in combination regimens to maximize tumor response.

Targeted therapy has improved outcomes for selected gastric cancer patients, particularly those whose tumors overexpress specific molecular markers. Tumor testing is essential to identify candidates for these treatments and avoid unnecessary toxicity. Immunotherapy has also emerged as an important option for advanced gastric cancer, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively in appropriately selected patients.

For metastatic gastric cancer, the goal of medical oncology is disease control, symptom relief, and life prolongation. Treatment plans are individualized based on tumor biology, extent of disease, patient fitness, and prior therapy. Regular imaging and clinical assessment guide therapy sequencing and optimization.

Supportive oncology care is integral to gastric cancer treatment, addressing nutrition, pain control, anemia, fatigue, and treatment-related side effects. Nutritional support is particularly important due to impaired digestion and weight loss commonly associated with this disease.

In Dubai and across the UAE, gastric cancer care follows international oncology guidelines and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach. Medical oncologists work closely with gastroenterologists, surgeons, radiologists, and palliative care teams to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered treatment throughout the cancer journey.