4. The Critical Juncture: Stage III Gastric Cancer
Stage III is a critical juncture in the fight against stomach cancer, a stage where the disease has matured and settled deep into the stomach tissues and even the nearby lymph nodes. It’s like a tree whose roots have delved deep into the soil; extraction becomes notably difficult. Stage III is where the possibility of cancer cells breaking free and traveling to other parts of the body becomes all too real.
The complexity of this stage is often underscored by the existence of sub-stages: IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, each representing an escalation in the cancer’s progression. While Stage IIIA might be viewed as a cancer that’s “grown up” but still staying close to its home—the stomach, by Stage IIIC, it has started venturing into a significant number of nearby lymph nodes. The cancer at this stage is, let’s say, making its presence abundantly felt.
Treatment for Stage III is grueling and typically involves a multi-pronged attack strategy. A combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery is often the course of action. However, unlike earlier stages, chemotherapy here can be more potent, employing a mix of drugs that could have more side effects. The aim is to knock out the cancer cells as effectively as possible.
Immunotherapy is emerging as a viable treatment option for this stage. Drugs like Pembrolizumab, which help to activate the immune system against cancer cells, are making their mark. This treatment focuses on exploiting the cancer cells’ inability to hide from the immune system, unlike their healthier counterparts. The drug effectively marks these cells for destruction, akin to putting a spotlight on a criminal in a crowd.
In terms of survival rates, Stage III is a sobering reality. The five-year survival rates dramatically dip, ranging between 20% to 35%. At this point, the emotional and physical toll on the patient becomes extremely challenging. Coping mechanisms like meditation and psychological therapy often become part of the treatment strategy, not to tackle the disease but to bolster the spirit to fight it. (4)
