Population-based retrospective cohort study of survival with extended postoperative follow-up in patients with gastric cancer

Conventional research and guidelines on postgastrectomy follow-up for gastric cancer often restrict their focus to the first 5 years after surgery. A population-based, retrospective cohort study using Korean National Health Insurance claims data evaluated extended follow-up. Patients (n=40,468) without recurrence or other cancers at 5 years postgastrectomy were divided into 2 groups: those who had extended regular follow-up visits and those who did not. Regular follow-up after 5 years postgastrectomy until diagnosis of late recurrence or remnant gastric cancer was associated with an improved postrecurrence survival rate. The authors conclude that these outcomes underscore the necessity to reconsider the current practice and follow-up protocols in the postoperative care of patients with gastric cancer.