Disease Overview：Gastric Cancer（GC）
Gastric cancer, or stomach cancer, is a malignant neoplasm arising from the glandular epithelium of the gastric mucosa—most commonly adenocarcinoma. Risk factors include chronic *Helicobacter pylori* infection, atrophic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dietary habits (e.g., high salt, smoked foods), smoking, and genetic predispositions such as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer syndrome (CDH1 mutations). Early-stage disease is often asymptomatic; advanced presentations may include persistent epigastric pain, early satiety, unintentional weight loss, hematemesis, or melena. Diagnosis relies on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with biopsy, supplemented by staging via contrast-enhanced CT, EUS, and occasionally PET-CT. Treatment is multimodal: curative-intent surgery (D2 gastrectomy) remains cornerstone for resectable disease; perioperative chemotherapy (e.g., FLOT regimen) or chemoradiotherapy improves survival in locally advanced cases; targeted agents (trastuzumab for HER2-positive tumors) and immunotherapy (pembrolizumab for MSI-H/dMMR or PD-L1–positive tumors) are increasingly integrated into personalized protocols.
China offers distinct advantages for gastric cancer management: its top-tier oncology centers—such as Peking University Cancer Hospital and Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center—combine deep expertise in complex gastrectomies and peritoneal carcinomatosis management with cutting-edge technologies including robotic-assisted surgery, intraoperative fluorescence imaging, and next-generation sequencing–guided precision oncology. Five-year survival rates for Stage II–III patients exceed 50% in high-volume centers, reflecting robust multidisciplinary tumor boards and standardized care pathways. Compared to Western countries or Japan, treatment costs in China are typically 40–60% lower without compromising clinical quality—chemotherapy regimens, targeted biologics, and surgical procedures maintain international guideline adherence while offering significant financial relief. As a dedicated medical tourism agency, we facilitate seamless access for international patients: vetting JCI-accredited hospitals, coordinating appointments with nationally recognized gastric oncologists, providing transparent, all-inclusive pricing (covering diagnostics, treatment, accommodation, and interpreter services), and delivering end-to-end support—from visa assistance to post-treatment follow-up coordination.
Gastric Cancer: treatment in China helps patients compare specialist hospitals, initial assessment steps and estimated costs that may vary by city, institution and clinical condition.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown: Gastric Cancer (Oncology Department)
Non-Surgical / Medical Management
*Indicated for unresectable, metastatic, or medically inoperable cases; adjuvant/neoadjuvant settings.*
- •Chemotherapy (FOLFOX/XELOX):
- *Cost (per cycle)*: ¥8,500–¥12,000 → $1,180–$1,670 - *Includes*: Oxaliplatin (¥3,200), 5-FU/leucovorin or capecitabine (¥4,000–¥7,500), infusion nursing, IV access
- •Targeted Therapy (Trastuzumab for HER2+):
- *Cost (per 6 mg/kg dose)*: ¥14,200–¥16,800 → $1,970–$2,330
- •Immunotherapy (Sintilimab/Pembrolizumab):
- *Cost (per 200 mg dose)*: ¥7,800–¥9,500 → $1,080–$1,320
- •Supportive Lab/Exam Fees:
- Endoscopic biopsy + pathology (IHC/FISH): ¥1,800 → $250 - Blood counts, LFTs, renal panel (per cycle): ¥320 → $44
Surgical / Interventional Options
*Indicated for resectable localized or locally advanced disease (cT1b–cT4a, N0–N3, M0).*
- •Laparoscopic Gastrectomy (Distal/Subtotal):
- *Procedure cost*: ¥38,000–¥49,000 → $5,280–$6,810
- •Open Total Gastrectomy + D2 Lymphadenectomy:
- *Procedure cost*: ¥45,000–¥62,000 → $6,250–$8,610
- •Preoperative Workup (mandatory):
- PET-CT: ¥7,200 → $1,000 - Cardiopulmonary evaluation (echo + PFTs): ¥2,400 → $333 - Nutritional assessment + albumin prealbumin: ¥480 → $67
Special/Complex Condition Management
- •Palliative Stent Placement (for gastric outlet obstruction): ¥12,500–¥15,800 → $1,740–$2,200
- •HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) with cytoreduction: ¥85,000–¥112,000 → $11,800–$15,600 (requires peritoneal carcinomatosis, complete cytoreduction feasible)
- •Radiation Therapy (IMRT, 25 fractions): ¥28,000–¥36,000 → $3,900–$5,000 (used for positive margins or unresectable local disease)
Quick Selection Guide
- •<65 years, fit, localized tumor: Open total gastrectomy — optimal oncologic control; median cost $7,430.
- •65–75 years, mild COPD/diabetes: Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy — lower morbidity; median cost $6,045.
- •Metastatic, HER2+: Trastuzumab + chemo — first-line standard; monthly cost ~$3,300.
- •Budget-constrained (<$5,000 total): Palliative chemo (capecitabine monotherapy) — ¥4,200/cycle ($580); avoids surgery/intensive care.
- •Elderly (>80), frail, multiple comorbidities: Best supportive care + endoscopic stenting — avoids systemic toxicity; upfront cost $1,900.
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Gastric Cancer Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Gastric Cancer treatment with China top medical destinations:
