Treatment will depend on the location, extent of recurrent or residual disease, previous management and the patient’s preferences.

In managing people with oesophagogastric cancer, treatment may include these options:

• radiotherapy (of localised recurrence)
• chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab (for systemic disease)
• sequential use of palliative radiotherapy and chemotherapy and endoscopic stenting as a palliative option
• surgery (in rare circumstances) to remove isolated metastatic disease or local recurrent disease.

Treatment may focus on disease control or palliation, based on the extent of disease, general health or the patient’s preferences and values. The potential goals of treatment should be discussed, respecting the patient’s cultural values, and wherever possible written information should be provided.

Encourage early referral to clinical trials or accepting an invitation to participate in research.