Background: Recent data indicates that surgical resection may bring a benefit for select patients with metastatic gastric / esophagogastric junction cancer. However, no data obtained in randomized trials is available up to now. The current RENAISSANCE trial investigates this long-lasting question about the role of surgical intervention in limited-metastatic gastric / esophagogastric junction cancer. Methods: This is a prospective, multicenter, randomized, investigator initiated phase III trial. In this study, previously untreated patients with limited metastatic stage (retroperitoneal lymph node metastases only or a maximum of one incurable organ site that is potentially resectable or locally controllable with or without retroperitoneal lymph nodes) will receive 4 cycles of FLOT (docetaxel 50 mg/m²; oxaliplatin 85 mg/m²; leucovorin 200 mg/m²; 5-FU 2,600 mg/m²), and if Her2+ with trastuzumab. Patients without disease progression after 4 cycles are randomized 1:1 to receive additional chemotherapy cycles or surgical resection of primary and metastases followed by subsequent chemotherapy. 271 patients are to be allocated to the trial, of which at least 176 patients will be randomized. The primary endpoint is overall survival; main secondary endpoints are quality of life parameters as assessed by EORTC-QLQ-C30 questionnaire, progression free survival and surgical morbidity and mortality. Recruitment has already started; currently (Feb 2017) 21 patients have been enrolled. EudraCT: 2014-002665-30. Clinical trial information: NCT02578368