The Application of Oxaliplatin in Gastric Cancer

Abstract

This Gastric cancer (GC) continues to be the predominant cause of cancer-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide, with an unfavorable prognosis after delayed presentation and with high recurrence. Chemotherapy is still the cornerstone in the treatment of advanced disease, where oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum compound, is of utmost significance. With improved safety, reduced nephrotoxicity, but greater efficacy against resistant tumors, oxaliplatin seems to have surpassed cisplatin. This review sketches out the pharmacological characteristics of oxaliplatin and its application in GC, with particular attention to combination regimens. Oxaliplatin plus fluorouracil-based chemotherapy, molecular-targeted therapy such as trastuzumab, and immune checkpoint inhibitors has been shown to have synergistic antitumor activities, improving survival and quality of life. However, the peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin and the emergence of intrinsic or acquired resistance remain important limitations of its clinical utility. The interest at present is on the mechanisms of resistance, neuroprotective strategies, and optimization of combination therapy to enhance efficacy and minimize toxicity. The future could include triple-drug therapy, new delivery routes, and a combination of targeted agents and immunotherapy. In conclusion, oxaliplatin remains the cornerstone in GC treatment with significant promise of more effective and individualized therapeutic strategies.