Abstract
We analyzed 5 judicial precedents associated with overlooking of scirrhous gastric cancer in Japan. In 3 of the 4 cases before the judgment of the Supreme Court in January 15, 2002, the claim of the plaintiff, the patient's family, had been rejected because there would be no evidence of the effectiveness of treatment in prolonging the life even if the treatment was started earlier. In January 15, 2002, the Supreme Court however admitted the claim of the plaintiff in one case, there might be the possibility of the effectiveness of the treatment in prolonging the life if the treatment was started earlier. Recently, effective anti-cancer drugs have been developed and clinically used. The judicial judgment may be affected such progress of medical treatment. Physicians should have such knowledge, and have to make a profound study .
