Comparing chemotherapy durations for gastric cancer patients with advanced lymph node involvement

Duration of Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy (3-4 Months Versus 5-6 Months) for Gastric Cancer Patients at Pathological N3 Stage: a Retrospective Study

The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University · NCT06194981

This study is testing whether shorter chemotherapy treatment for gastric cancer patients with advanced lymph node involvement can be just as effective and safer than longer treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment260 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Zhengzhou, Henan)
Trial IDNCT06194981 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of two different durations of adjuvant chemotherapy (3-4 months vs. 5-6 months) using CapOx/SOX regimens in patients with pathological N3 gastric cancer. Given the poor prognosis associated with N3 stage gastric cancer, the study seeks to determine if a shorter chemotherapy duration can maintain effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. The research will analyze data from patients who have undergone curative surgery and received the specified chemotherapy regimens. The findings could provide insights into optimizing treatment protocols for this high-risk patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 with pathological stage N3 gastric cancer who have undergone curative surgery and are starting adjuvant chemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or have other malignancies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment protocols that enhance patient quality of life while maintaining effective cancer control.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown success with shorter chemotherapy durations in similar contexts, suggesting potential for this approach in gastric cancer as well.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. 18-80 years old
2. Pathological stage N3 GC (≥7 positive lymph nodes) after curative surgery according to the AJCC TNM staging system, 8th edition
3. Histologically confirmed R0 resection, defined as no macroscopic or microscopic residual tumor
4. Postoperative chemotherapy with CapOX or SOX doublet regimen, initiating within 6 weeks after curative gastrectomy
5. No distant metastases or gastric stump cancer
6. No other malignant tumors

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy
2. Patients who received capecitabine or S-1 alone or combined with biological therapy, radiation therapy, or Immunosuppressive therapy

Where this trial is running

Zhengzhou, Henan

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Gastric Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.