Removing more lymph nodes during stomach cancer surgery

Plain-English translation of NCT03961373 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2019 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing whether patients with locally advanced stomach cancer benefit from a more extensive surgical approach. All participants receive chemotherapy first to shrink the cancer, then surgery to remove the stomach and surrounding lymph nodes. The question being studied is whether removing additional lymph nodes during surgery (called D2plus lymphadenectomy) improves long-term survival compared to the standard removal approach (D2 lymphadenectomy).

Stomach cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes is serious, and doctors want to know if removing more of these nodes during surgery gives patients a better chance of survival and recovery.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with locally advanced stomach cancer (stages IIA–IIIC) that has not been treated before
imaging scans show the cancer is contained to the stomach and nearby lymph nodes, with no spread to distant organs, lungs, or liver
you are well enough to tolerate both chemotherapy and surgery, as assessed by your doctor
you have not had previous chemotherapy or radiation therapy for stomach cancer

You likely don't qualify if…

you have cancer that has already spread to the lungs, liver, or other distant organs
you are pregnant or breastfeeding
you have a serious heart condition (NYHA class IV) that would make surgery too risky
you have uncontrolled infection or another active cancer being treated in the past 5 years
you are unable to understand the study requirements or commit to the follow-up visits

What participation looks like

You will first receive chemotherapy over several weeks to shrink your cancer. Then, within 4–6 weeks after chemotherapy ends, you will have surgery to remove your stomach and lymph nodes. You will be randomly assigned to either the standard lymph node removal approach or the more extensive removal approach. After surgery, you will have regular follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery, check for cancer recurrence, and complete quality-of-life questionnaires. The study will track your survival and health outcomes over time.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 27, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Italy

General and Surgical Oncology Department, University of Siena, Siena