VIAMED INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED SURGICAL ONCOLOGY


Stomach cancer treatments

What is stomach cancer?

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a malignant neoplasm that originates in the stomach lining. This type of cancer is characterized by slow development over several years.

Before the formation of an invasive carcinoma, precancerous changes usually occur in the inner lining (mucosa) of the stomach. These initial changes are usually asymptomatic, making early detection difficult.

Gastric cancer is the fifth most common type of cancer worldwide. Its treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and targeted therapies, depending on the stage and specific type of cancer.

IVOQA is formed by a multidisciplinary group of oncological surgeons, medical oncologists, nutritionists, radiologists, pathologists, psycho-oncologists… specialized in minimally invasive techniques and in the treatment of gastric cancer.

Treatments according to the stage of peritoneal carcinomatosis

Initial Stage

Subtotal gastrectomy

In this surgery only part of the stomach is removed. Sometimes along with part of the esophagus or, more frequently, the first part of the small intestine (first portion of the duodenum). The remaining section of the stomach is then reconnected to the small intestine. Part of the omentum (an apron-like layer of fatty tissue that hangs down from the stomach and transverse colon) is also removed along with the adjacent lymph nodes, and in some cases possibly the spleen.

Total gastrectomy

This operation is used if the cancer has spread so far that a subtotal gastrectomy is not possible. It is also often recommended if the cancer is in the upper part of the stomach, near the esophagus.

Endoscopic resection

Endoscopic resection via gastroscopy can be performed for premalignant lesions or in patients at high surgical risk and for follow-up and polyp removal.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy in advanced stage disease and in certain specific contexts.

Systemic chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for gastric cancer and can be used in different stages and situations.

Neoadjuvant. It is administered before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor and facilitate its removal.

Adjuvant. It is applied after surgery to eliminate any residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Primary. In cases of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, chemotherapy in combination with other techniques (such as PIPAC in case of peritoneal metastases) may be the primary treatment to reduce tumor size, alleviate symptoms, and prolong the patient's life.

Advanced stage

Laparoscopic staging surgery

This is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of gastric cancer to assess the extent of disease within the abdomen. This type of surgery allows physicians to obtain a clear and detailed view of the affected area without the need for a large incision. It allows for lavage cytology to be performed and to detect if there are implants or peritoneal spread.

Cytoreduction surgery and HIPEC

In the year 2024 the NCCN guidelines (Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology) included treatment with cytoreduction surgery and HIPEC in the approach to patients with peritoneal metastases of gastric origin with Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) less than or equal to 7. IVOQA has a team specialized in peritoneal pathology composed of surgical oncologists with extensive experience in cytoreduction surgery and a machine for perfusion of HIPEC.

PIPAC

In 2024 the NCCN guidelines (Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology) included PIPAC treatment for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases with PCI greater than 7, combining PIPAC with chemotherapy and/or systemic immunotherapy. IVOQA is one of the centers with the greatest experience in PIPAC in the national territory and in ePIPAC (pressurized aerosol intraperitoneal chemotherapy with electrostatic precipitation).

Subtotal gastrectomy

In this surgery only part of the stomach is removed. Sometimes along with part of the esophagus or, more frequently, the first part of the small intestine (first portion of the duodenum). The remaining section of the stomach is then reconnected to the small intestine. Part of the omentum (an apron-like layer of fatty tissue that hangs down from the stomach and transverse colon) is also removed along with the adjacent lymph nodes, and in some cases possibly the spleen.

Total gastrectomy

This operation is used if the cancer has spread so far that a subtotal gastrectomy is not possible. It is also often recommended if the cancer is in the upper part of the stomach, near the esophagus.

Systemic chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for gastric cancer and can be used in different stages and situations.

Neoadjuvant. It is administered before surgery to reduce the size of the tumor and facilitate its removal.

Adjuvant. It is applied after surgery to eliminate any residual cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Primary. In cases of advanced or metastatic gastric cancer, chemotherapy in combination with other techniques (such as PIPAC in case of peritoneal metastases) may be the primary treatment to reduce tumor size, alleviate symptoms, and prolong the patient's life.

Targeted therapies

Most targeted therapies are used in advanced stages of gastric cancer, where the cancer has spread and cannot be completely removed by surgery.

Molecular panels

IVOQA offers patients the most complete and advanced NGS panels. By analyzing a large number of tumor genes, specialist pathologists determine the therapies to which the tumor is most likely to be sensitive. We can perform NGS panels on biopsies previously obtained at other centers.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy can be used in combination with chemotherapy in advanced stage disease and in certain specific contexts.

Palliative Care

The aim of palliative care is to alleviate the symptoms of the disease and to treat, as best as possible, the side effects of treatments so that patients can live with quality of life.

The treatment of gastric cancer requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving several specialists to ensure comprehensive and personalized care. IVOQA offers oncologic surgeons specialized in subtotal and total gastrectomy by minimally invasive routes, such as laparoscopy or robotic surgery, and in open surgery.

Leading providers of surgery and treatments for stomach cancer and staging laparoscopy

Patients with stomach cancer benefit from our prehabilitation programme and the advantages of the ERAS® protocols for optimal recovery.

The extensive experience of our team of surgical oncologists in minimally invasive surgery and stomach surgery makes IVOQA the leading facility for stomach cancer surgery and treatment.

The treatment of stomach cancer by highly specialised teams is crucial for achieving the best oncological and survival outcomes for our patients.

Dr. Rosa María Morera

Radiation Oncology

  • Specialist in Radiation Oncology.
  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery.  Faculty of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid (2-8-1990).
  • Head of the Radiation Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid.
  • Expert with university micro-credential mention in Physics, Technology and Protontherapy. King Juan Carlos University.
  • Higher University Course in Design and Management of Proton Therapy Centres. King Juan Carlos University.
  • XIX Programme of Senior Management in Health Institutions. IESE Business School. University of Navarra.
  • Master in Administration and Management of Health Services XXIV Edition (2013-2014). Pompeu Fabra University.
  • Doctoral Thesis Reading: ‘Radical thoracic irradiation and pulmonary functional study in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Systematic review and prospective case series’ . Qualification of outstanding ‘cum laude’.
  • Doctorate courses: Complutense University of Madrid (1995-1997).
  • She is a researcher in numerous clinical trials, publishing several national and international scientific articles.

Dr. Jose María Oliver

Breast radiology

  • Breast radiologist and specialist in cryoblation of breast lesions in the IVOQA Breast Unit.
  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Navarra (1983-1989). Specialisation via MIR in Radiology. Number 289.
  • Specialist in radiology in several renowned hospitals, international reference and pioneer in the application of cryoablation to breast pathology in Spain.
  • Head of the Breast Radiology Section at the Hospital Universitario La Paz.
  • Member of the Spanish Society of Medical Radiology (SERAM) and the Spanish Society of Diagnostic Imaging (SEDIM).

Dr. Jesús Cañete Gómez

General and Digestive Surgery. Oncological Surgery

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville (2000- 2006).
  • Specialist in colon and rectal cancer surgery using a minimally invasive approach.
  • Training in transanal rectal cancer treatment (TAMIS and TaTME).
    Training in minimally invasive surgery at Jackson Memorial Hospital (Miami).
  • Specialist in General Surgery at Viamed Fatima Hospital, Seville (currently).
  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Seville (‘cum laude’).
  • Associate Professor at the University of Seville Founder of the surgical team Laparoscopic Surgery Seville – MISS (Minimally Invasive Surgical Solutions) – minimally invasive surgical techniques in scheduled and emergency surgery.
  • He has written numerous publications in journals and books and is a member of the Spanish Society of Obesity Surgery (SECO), as well as the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC) and the Andalusian Association of Surgeons (ASAC).

Dr. Juan José Segura Sampedro

General and digestive surgery. Oncological Surgery

  • Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Seville. 2003-2009.
  • Specialist in peritoneal carinomatosis.
  • Doctor of Medicine from the University of Seville (‘cum laude’).
  • Oncological Surgeon in the Section of Peritoneal, Retroperitoneal and Soft Parts Oncological Surgery, Department of General and Digestive System Surgery, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid.
  • Associate Professor of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, Palma de Mallorca.
  • 3IP in the Research Group in Advanced Oncological Surgery, m-Health and Innovation in Surgical Technology, Institute for Health Research of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Palma de Mallorca.
  • He has written numerous publications in journals and books and is a member of the Spanish Society of Surgical Oncology (SEOQ), the Spanish Society of Coloproctology (AECP), the Spanish Association of Surgeons (AEC), the European Society of Oncological Surgery (ESSO) and the Spanish Group of Peritoneal Oncological Surgery (GECOP).

Pablo Soto

Specialist in sports training for oncology patients

  • Higher Degree in Dietetics (2020-2022)
  • Treatment and rehabilitation of cancer patients

Dr. Gonzalez Larriba

Medical oncology

  • Professor of Medical Oncology at the Complutense University of Madrid
  • Head of the Medical Oncology Section of the Hospital Clínico San Carlos in possession of the European Certificate in Oncology
  • Recognition of 6 six-year research periods + 1 six-year period of knowledge transfer
  • Master in Oncology Services Management by the University of Alcala de Henares
  • Visiting Professor of Oncology at the University of Palermo (Italy)
  • Multiple stays in international centres (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Gustave Roussy Institute, University of Lyon, Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, University of Pittsburgh)
  • Maximum recognition of the Professional Career by the Regional Ministry of Health of the Community of Madrid
  • Director of the Master’s Degree in Genitourinary Tumours at the Complutense University of Madrid
  • Founder and member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Lung Cancer Group, Spanish Genitourinary Tumour Group and Spanish Melanoma Group
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology
  • Miembro de la European Society of Medical Oncology, American Society of Clinical Oncology, International Association for the Study od Lung Cancer, etc.
  • Author of more than 300 scientific articles, 400 conference papers and 60 scientific books, as well as speaker in more than 400 conference papers

Francisco Flores

Physiotherapy

  • Graduate in physiotherapy. UEM.
  • Master’s degree in respiratory physiotherapy. UNIVERSITAT
  • ROVIRA i VIRGILI.
  • MASTER specialist in conservative and invasive physiotherapy of myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia. UAH.
  • SPIROMETRIST by the ERS-SEPAR for the performance and interpretation of SPIROMETRY.
  • MASTER Specialist in intratissue percutaneous electrolysis treatments EPI.
  • Specialist in the use and application of the INDIBA ACTIV system.
  • MASTER Specialist in Biomechanical Analysis, Intervention and Treatment “Check yourMOtion”.
  • NATIONAL CLASSIFIER for athletes with cerebral palsy.
  • NATIONAL CLASSIFIER of athletics for people with physical disabilities.
  • RESEARCH PROJECT: “Respiratory physiotherapy as a treatment for ARVC in high performance athletes”.

Dr. Javier Heras Aznar

BREAST UNIT

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Universidad Autonoma de Madrid 1992.
  • Specialist via MIR in Family Medicine at Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal 1994-1996.
  • Specialist via MIR in OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY at Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina in Madrid 1997-2001.
  • Specialized in the last 27 years in Gynecological Oncology and Breast Pathology, both malignant and benign, with experience in Oncoplastic Surgery.
  • Specialization Course in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery 2015.
  • Coordinator of the Breast Unit and the Breast Tumors and Gynecology Oncology Committee in Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía.
  • Main Author of the Breast Unit Accreditation Project (Hospital Universitario Infanta Sofía) 2019-2020.

Dr. Beatriz García-Conde

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Puerta de Hierro University Hospital in Majadahonda. Currently working at the 12 de Octubre University Hospital.
  • Specialist in capsule endoscopy and in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy: chromoendoscopy, colon cancer screening, digestive dilatations, PEG placement, endoluminal vacuum therapy (fistulas/leaks), polypectomy/mucosectomy.
  • She also a general digestive consultant with a Master’s Degree in Neurogastroenterology.

Dr. Micaela Riat Castro Zocchi

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Princesa Hospital (Madrid).
  • Clinical consultation. Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy: Chromoendoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Placement of digestive prosthesis (oesophagus, colon), Digestive dilatations, PEG Placement, Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (fistulas/leaks), Polypectomy/mucosectomy. Experience in Bariatric Endoscopy: Intragastric balloon.

Dr. Diana Fresneda Cuesta

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, Jiménez Díaz Foundation. (Madrid)
  • Clinical consultation. Specialist in Endoscopic Capsule and in Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy: Chromoendoscopy, Colon Cancer Screening, Ligation of Oesophagus Varices, Placement of digestive prosthesis (oesophagus, colon), Digestive dilatations, PEG Placement, Endoluminal Vacuum Therapy (fistulas/leaks), Polypectomy/mucosectomy. Experience in bariatric endoscopy: intragastric balloon, POSE method and Endo-sleeve with POSE system, etc.

Dr. Teresa Valdés Lacasa

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery
  • MIR specialisation in Digestive System Medicine, 12 de Octubre University Hospital (Madrid). Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship (ERCP and digestive prostheses) at Ninewells Hospital (United Kingdom). 2020-2021.
  • Clinical consultation and abdominal ultrasound.
  • Specialist in pancreatico-biliary conditions and therapeutic endoscopy: ERCP, placement of digestive prostheses (oesophagus, duodenum, colon, biliary), digestive dilatations, placement of PEGs, endoluminal vacuum therapy (fistulas/leaks), polypectomy/mucosectomy.

Dr. Andrés J. del Pozo García, MD. PhD.

DUAL SPECIALISATION IN DIGESTIVE SYSTEM MEDICINE / FAMILY AND COMMUNITY MEDICINE

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery.
  • Dual specialised training (MIR) at the Princesa University Hospital (Madrid).
  • Specialist in Digestive System Medicine and Specialised in Family and Community Medicine
  • PhD in Medicine from the Autonomous University of Madrid. Cum Laude. 2020.
  • Member of S.E.P.D, S.E.E.D., A.E.G, E.S.G.E, AESPANC, Board Member of GETTEMO; Consultant of Apollo Endosurgery in 2021.

Dr. José María Abadal Villayandre

SPECIALIST IN VASCULAR INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery from Navarra University.
  • MIR specialisation in Radiology, Radiodiagnosis at Gregorio Marañón University Hospital.
  • PhD in Radiodiagnosis from the Complutense University of Madrid. Cum Laude Doctoral Thesis.
  • Specialist in Vascular Interventional Radiology, accreditation from the Spanish Society of Interventional Radiology.
  • European Board Interventional Radiology (EBIR) Health Sciences) at Alfonso X el Sabio University. 2010-2014.
  • Medical Director of the “Centro de Radiología y Diagnóstico por Imagen”.
  • Scientific and research activity with numerous publications and research studies.
  • Director and professor of Interventional Vascular Radiology at the I-XI Endo-school. Teaching activity.
  • Member of SERAM (Spanish Society of Medical Radiology), CIRSE (Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Society Europe), and Secretary of SERVEI (Spanish Society of Interventional Vascular Radiology).

Belén Pérez Peiro. Psychologist

SPECIALIST IN PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY

  • Graduate in Psychology
  • Clinical psychologist, Gregorio Marañón University General Hospital, Psycho-oncology, Gynaecological Psychology, Neuropsychology, Detoxification and Out-patient Hospital, inflammatory bowel disease and teenagers.
  • Clinical activity at the Niño Jesús Children’s University Hospital, Psychiatric and Eating Disorder Units.
  • Expert qualification in Psychosomatic Medicine and Health Psychology.
  • Expert qualification in Psychopathology and Psychiatry from the Spanish Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychology.
  • Specialist qualification in Psychotherapy and projective techniques, both of which are recognised by the Madrid Official Association of Psychologists.

Dr. Ana María Moreno

SPECIALIST IN INTERNAL MEDICINE AND NUTRITIONAL PREHABILITATION

  • Graduate in Medicine and Surgery. 1986– 1992.
  • Extraordinary Graduation Award. 1992.
  • MIR specialisation in Internal Medicine. Number 283.
  • Master’s Degree in Palliative Care from Valladolid University. 2011.
  • University Master’s Degree in Advanced Chronic Nursing and palliative care from Antonio de Nebrija University. 2017.
  • PhD Courses 1993.
  • Extensive professional career in many renowned hospitals.
  • Head of Internal Medicine Services at Viamed Santa Elena (Madrid). September 2021 – Present.
  • Teaching and research work.
  • Numerous publications and papers. Participation in courses and seminars.