TNM-7th edition 2009 (UICC/AJCC) and Japanese Classification 2010 in Gastric Cancer. Towards simplicity and standardisation in the management of gastric cancer

The 7th edition of the UICC/AJCC TNM, and a new revision of the Japanese Classification for Gastric Cancer and Treatment Guidelines (Japanese Gastric Cancer Association) have been available since the beginning of 2010. One of the most important changes consists on the redefining and simplification of type D1/D2 lymphadenectomy depending on the type of gastrectomy performed (previously it depended on the location of the primary tumour), and the adoption of numeric criteria of TNM-7th Edition to evaluate the level of lymph node involvement (before, according to the anatomical location of the groups as regards the primary tumour). These changes attempt to make therapeutic management easier and a more uniform comparison of results between countries. The importance of these modifications in both systems justifies this exhaustive analysis and update of the new concepts for a correct management of gastric cancer.