Testing a new way to detect hidden stomach cancer spread

Doctors use staging laparoscopy—a minimally invasive surgical procedure—to check whether stomach cancer has spread to the lining of the abdomen before deciding on treatment. During this procedure, doctors rinse the abdominal cavity with salt water and collect the fluid. This study tests whether analyzing this fluid for traces of cancer DNA using a new method called aneuploidy detection can catch more cases of spread cancer than the current standard examination.

Currently, the standard way of checking the collected fluid often misses cases where cancer has actually spread to the abdomen. This can lead patients to undergo major surgery and harsh chemotherapy when they might not benefit, or conversely, to miss cases where they need more aggressive treatment. A more accurate test could help doctors choose the right treatment plan for each patient.