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Gender Differences in Gastric Cancer Care and Its Adherence to Guidelines in Germany

This important study in Germany is looking closely at stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma) to see if there are differences in how it's treated and how patients recover, depending on whether they are a man or a woman. Stomach cancer is a serious illness, and previous international research suggests that men and women might experience it differently, including their treatment approaches and chances of survival. Researchers will examine existing patient data from German hospitals and cancer registries from 2017 to 2021. They want to find out if factors like hospital stays, treatment complications, and long-term survival rates vary between genders. The goal is to understand these potential differences better, which could help doctors give more personalised and effective care to all stomach cancer patients in the future.

At a glance

Status
Active not recruiting
Sponsor
Medizinische Hochschule Brandenburg Theodor Fontane
Enrolment target
75,000
Start
31 Jul 2025
Estimated completion
30 Apr 2026

What is this study about?

This study is about a type of cancer called stomach cancer, also known as gastric adenocarcinoma. It's a serious illness, and doctors are trying to understand every aspect of it better. This particular study is taking place in Germany and focuses on whether there are differences in how stomach cancer is diagnosed, treated, and how people recover, depending on whether they are a man or a woman.

Even though stomach cancer affects many people, there isn't much information yet about how gender might play a role in Germany. However, some studies from other countries have hinted that men and women might experience this cancer differently. This could include things like the type of cancer cells found, other health problems they might have, the treatments they receive, and their chances of survival. Researchers want to see if these kinds of differences also exist in Germany, and if so, how they affect things like complications during treatment and overall survival rates.

To do this, the researchers will look at existing health records from hospitals and cancer registries across Germany from 2017 to 2021. They'll be checking anonymous information to compare how men and women with stomach cancer were treated and what their outcomes were. The aim is to identify any areas where care might be improved or made more personal for each individual, considering their gender. Ultimately, this research hopes to help doctors give the best possible care to all stomach cancer patients.

Key takeaways

  • This study helps us understand if stomach cancer care differs for men and women.
  • It uses existing anonymous medical records, so no direct patient involvement is needed.
  • The goal is to improve personalised treatment for stomach cancer patients.
  • It's happening in Germany and looks at data from 2017 to 2021.
  • Findings could help update treatment guidelines for doctors.

Who may be eligible?

Because this study is looking back at existing health records, you won't need to do anything extra or change your current care to be part of it. The researchers will be looking for information from people who have already been diagnosed with a specific type of stomach cancer.

Specifically, they are interested in records of adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with 'gastric adenocarcinoma.' This is the medical name for the main type of stomach cancer.

There aren't any special reasons that would prevent your past medical records from being included, as long as they meet the specific diagnosis mentioned. If you have been treated for stomach cancer in Germany between 2017 and 2021, your anonymous data might be part of this important research.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

  1. Were you diagnosed with stomach cancer (gastric adenocarcinoma)?
  2. Was your diagnosis in Germany?
  3. Were you diagnosed between 2017 and 2021?
  4. Were you 18 years old or older at the time of diagnosis?
Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you have had gastric adenocarcinoma in Germany between 2017 and 2021, your existing medical records might be included in this study. However, you won't need to do anything actively to participate. This is because the researchers are looking at information that has already been collected by hospitals and cancer registries. You won't have any extra visits, assessments, medication, or follow-up appointments directly related to this study. Your personal information will be kept private and anonymised, meaning your name or anything that could identify you will not be linked to the study data. The study involves researchers analysing these anonymous records to understand patterns and differences in care over the mentioned time period.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study only involves looking at anonymous, existing medical records, there are no direct risks to you as a patient. Your personal health information will be protected and made unidentifiable. The potential benefit of this research is that it could help doctors understand stomach cancer care better and potentially lead to improvements in how men and women are treated in the future, making care more personalised and effective for everyone. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in research, so if you have any concerns, you can discuss this with your healthcare provider.

Locations (1)

  • Medical School Brandenburg
    Verified postcode
    Brandenburg an der Havel, Germany

Common questions

What is gastric adenocarcinoma?

It's the most common type of stomach cancer.

Why is gender important in this study?

Researchers want to see if men and women receive different care or have different health results when treated for stomach cancer.

Will this study affect my current medical treatment?

No, this study only looks at past, anonymous medical records and won't change your ongoing or future treatment.

Where is this study taking place?

The study is analysing medical data collected from hospitals and cancer registries across Germany.

How will my privacy be protected?

Your personal information will be kept strictly private and made anonymous so that you cannot be identified in the study results.

How to find out more

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.

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