Kenneth Alibek, Igor Ponomarev, Bauyrzhan Aituov, Ainur Kakpenova, Assel Mussabekova and Bolat Sultankulov
Background: Gastric cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and the average survival rate of patients within a year of diagnosis remains low. Currently, surgical resection is the major treatment strategy, and the effectiveness of chemotherapy remains debatable. Infections involving Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the Epstein-Barr virus have been implicated in gastric cancer pathogenesis. In addition, extensive immunosuppression in patients caused by latent infections and chemotherapy limits their response to existing therapies. Case presentation: A 73-year-old man presented with stage IV gastric cancer (T2N0MII stage, cell group II). The tumor was inoperable due to concomitant multiorgan dysfunction and consequently, the patient was treated with a combinatorial therapy consisting of immunocorrective and antimicrobial therapy, as well as chemotherapy. The medications used for treatment include interferon-α, interleukin-2, statins, fenofibrate, macrolides, proton pumps, and antiviral drugs. Following treatment, tumor cells redifferentiated into normal glandular epithelial cells. A 2-year followup study of the patient after treatment revealed a complete remission from cancer. Conclusion: This case report demonstrates the possibility of using a systemic approach to treat inoperable gastric cancer. In addition, the observations made in this study should aid the design of novel treatment strategies for gastric cancer.
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