Impact of the Interval between Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Gastrectomy on Pathological Response and Survival Outcomes for Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: It is still unknown what is the appropriate time between neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) and gastrectomy in cases of gastric cancer. To comprehend the relationship more clearly between waiting time after NACT before having a gastrectomy and survival results, a meta-analysis was done. METHODS: Retrospective and prospective research from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were thoroughly reviewed. Research examining the impact of delays of 4, 4–6, and above 6 weeks between the conclusion of NACT and surgery in patients with locally advanced gastric cancer qualified as eligible studies. The pathologic complete response (pCR) rate served as the main outcome indicator. Additional outcome metrics were overall survival (OS) and survival free of illness. RESULTS: The meta-analysis showed that patients with locally advanced gastric cancer with a waiting time for surgery of above 4 weeks compared to those with a waiting time for surgery of below 4 weeks saw a significantly higher pCR rate (pCR) [odds ratio (OR): 1.67; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.07–2.60; p = 0.02]. The meta-analysis found no appreciable OS differences [hazard ratio (HR): 0.93; 95% CI: 0.76–1.13; p = 0.44). CONCLUSIONS: Time to surgery (TTS) had no effect on the survival results, according to our data. Only in the group where delaying surgery by more than 4 weeks after the end of NACT improved pathological response, but had no effect on survival. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Naveed S, Banday SZ, Qari H, et al. Impact of the Interval between Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Gastrectomy on Pathological Response and Survival Outcomes for Patients with Locally Advanced Gastric Cancer: A Meta-analysis. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(2):81–91.