Yuan M, Wang Z, Zhang Y, et al. - Combination of apatinib and chemotherapy affords a superior option for advanced gastric carcinoma (GCA) than chemotherapy alone in effectively improving treatment outcomes.

• Total 74 advanced GCA patients were equally divided into study group (SG) and reference group (RG).

• SG was administered apatinib combined with chemotherapy, while RG received chemotherapy alone.

• Markedly higher disease control rate was achieved in SG vs RG, in short-term follow-up.

• Both groups showed post-treatment reduction in matrix metalloproteinase 9 and serum interleukin-2 receptor levels, with notably lower post-treatment levels in SG vs RG.

• Markedly higher median progression-free survival and overall survival were noted in SG vs RG.

• Markedly higher post-treatment Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 score was evident in SG vs RG.

• SG had lower total incidence of adverse reactions than RG.