Pathological complete response predicts better outcomes in gastric cancer

Achieving pathological complete response (pcr) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy significantly improves survival in gastric and esophagogastric junction cancers.

• Pcr correlates with a 63% lower risk of death (overall survival) using the Becker system.
• Progression-free survival is similarly improved, with a 38% reduction in risk of progression.

Consider prioritizing pcr as a key goal in treatment, especially with Becker criteria.

• The survival benefit is less pronounced in the major pathological response subgroup compared to pcr.