A Multicenter Phase II Study of Neoadjuvant Docetaxel, Cisplatin and Capecitabine and Protocolized Surgery in Resectable Gastric Cancer

Inclusion Criteria: * Ib-IVa histological proven resectable gastric adenocarcinoma, including gastro-oesophageal junction/cardia carcinoma Siewert 2 and 3 * ASA 2 or less * Age 18 years or more * No prior radio- or chemotherapy conflicting with the treatment of gastric cancer * Haematology/Renal function/Liver function within designated range * Patient's consent form obtained, signed and dated before beginning specific protocol procedures * absence of any psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule; those conditions should be discussed with the patient before registration in the trial * before patient registration/randomization, written informed consent must be given according to GCP, WMO and local regulations. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous or other current malignancies, with the exception of adequately treated in situ carcinoma of the cervix uteri or non-melanoma skin cancer * Other current serious illness or medical conditions * Severe cardiac illness (NYHA class III-IV) * Significant neurologic or psychiatric disorders * Uncontrolled infections * Active DIC * Other serious underlying medical conditions that could impair the ability of the patient to participate in the study * Known hypersensitivity to docetaxel (or any drug formulated with Polysorbate-80), or cisplatin or capecitabine or 5-FU * Definite contraindications for the use of corticosteroids * Use of immunosuppressive or antiviral drugs * Any other experimental drugs within a 4-week period prior to start of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and throughout the study period * Pregnant or lactating women * Patients with reproductive potential not implementing adequate contraceptive measures