Long-term clinical remission in a patient with metastatic gastric cancer after palliative chemotherapy

Background: More than 50% of patients with gastric cancer initially present with locally advanced or metastatic disease. In general, gastric cancer in an advanced or metastatic stage is regarded as incurable. Despite treatmen t with palliative chemotherapy, the median survival time is stilt limited a nd does not exceed 12 months. Case Report:We report on a patient with advan ced and metastatic gastric cancer who received palliative surgery and subse quent palliative chemotherapy. Results: Complete remission occurred after R 2 resection and palliative chemotherapy. The patient is now disease-free fo r 10 years after the end of chemotherapy. Conclusions: Palliative chemother apy for metastatic gastric cancer may seldom lead to long-term clinical rem ission.