Does immunotherapy treat stomach cancer?

Stomach cancer, also called gastric cancer, is not one identical disease. Tests on a biopsy can show features that help the team decide whether an immune-based medicine is likely to be useful. Depending on the situation, immunotherapy may be combined with chemotherapy, used after earlier treatment, or considered when the cancer cannot be removed with surgery.

The treatment works by helping the immune system identify cancer cells. It can also activate inflammation in healthy organs, so the oncology team monitors symptoms and blood tests as treatment continues. Imaging and clinical review help assess whether the plan is working.

Ask which biopsy or tumour results guide the recommendation and whether the goal is to shrink the cancer, control it, or support another treatment. Review the proposed schedule, other medicines, nutrition concerns, and monitoring plan. Tell the team about autoimmune disease, transplant history, bowel or lung conditions, and medicines that alter immune activity.

Report persistent vomiting, inability to drink, severe abdominal pain, black or bloody stools, fever, new breathlessness, severe diarrhoea, yellow skin, or unusual confusion. Seek urgent care for vomiting blood, fainting, severe dehydration, or sudden breathing difficulty. These warning signs can reflect the cancer, infection, bleeding, or a treatment reaction.

What did my tumour testing show? Why is immunotherapy being recommended now? How will nutrition and weight changes be supported? Which symptoms require immediate contact? What alternatives are available?