Q: My 55-year-old father-in-law was recently diagnosed with gastro-esophageal (GE) junction metastatic condition. What is the role of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy in treating his condition? He has no other abnormalities.

A:If the GE junction is found resectable on CECT scan, the patient should be subjected to surgery. If the disease is advanced and is not resectable, the patient should be treated with chemotherapy drugs. There are several protocols including the following drugs: oxaliplatin, cisplatin, taxanes, and 5FU. The response rates are about 40-50 per cent. Radiation can also be given for palliation.