Twenty-five years ago, a monograph on gastric cancer was published by the Italian Society of Surgery: that book is recognized as a milestone in the management of these tumors in Italy. Oncological and surgical knowledge in the field of gastric cancer have changed dramatically over the last 25 years. The aim of this book is to offer an essential update on current diagnostic approaches and optimal treatment strategies. It gives comprehensive information on gastric cancer not neglecting the basic sciences, which can shed light on the carcinogenesis mechanisms involved in this pathology. The principles of tailored and multimodal treatment are examined according to the latest guidelines with the aim of providing a valuable synopsis for clinicians.

The book not only reviews what has changed in the field of gastric cancer over the past quarter century but also offers the reader a glimpse of the future by describing the ongoing surgical and oncological trials which focus on new treatment frontiers such as immunotherapy and target therapy. It also seeks to incorporate the latest discoveries based on molecular classifications. Further, the book reflects the findings and experiences of Italian experts belonging to the GIRCG (Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer) and will offer an excellent guide for oncological surgeons in their daily practice of caring for patients affected by gastric cancer.

Giovanni de Manzoni is Full Professor of General Surgery, Director of the Division of General and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery at Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, and Chief of the Department of Surgical Sciences, Dentistry, Gynecology, and Pediatrics at the University of Verona, Italy. He is former President of the International Gastric Cancer Association and a current member of the Italian Society of Surgery and the International Society of Esophageal Diseases. Since 2015, he has been Editor in Chief of 'Gastric Cancer', the official journal of the International Gastric Cancer Association. Professor de Manzoni is also a founding member and coordinator of GIRCG (Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer). He is the author of five books on gastric cancer and nearly 300 scientific articles.

Franco Roviello is Full Professor of General Surgery, Director of the Division of General and Oncologic Surgery at Policlinico Santa Maria alle Scotte Hospital Siena, University of Siena, and Head of the Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery Program of the University of Siena. Board Member of the International Gastric Cancer Association, President Elect of the Italian Society of Surgical Oncology (SICO), and member of the Italian Society of Surgery. Since 2012 he has been Associate Editor for upper gastrointestinal surgery of the European Journal of Surgical Oncology (EJSO). Together with Professor de Manzoni, he is a founding member and coordinator of GIRCG (Italian Research Group for Gastric Cancer). He is the author of 331 papers on surgical oncology.