- Specialized expertise in treating common to complex GI cancers, including colon, liver, pancreatic, gallbladder, and stomach cancers. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options, including cancer surgery, medications, and radiation therapy, that require deep knowledge and skill and are not widely available. Go to Treatments
- Team-based approach from dedicated GI cancer doctors, surgeons, and other providers from multiple specialties, working together for the best possible care. Go to Your Care Team
- Clinical trials that offer eligible patients earlier access to the latest treatments for GI cancer. Go to Clinical Trials
- Comprehensive support services that give you the medical, emotional, and spiritual help you need as you navigate your cancer journey. Go to Supportive Services
- Ease of access to complete screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care at locations throughout the Bay Area and through virtual visits. Go to Connecting to Care
Gastrointestinal cancers occur along the digestive tract, which starts with the esophagus (food tube) and continues to the anus (end of the large intestine). GI cancers can be complex, but they’re highly treatable, especially when found early.
Often, the symptoms of GI cancers resemble those of other, less serious GI conditions. That’s why it’s important to receive care from specialists with experience in recognizing and diagnosing GI cancers.
At Stanford Health Care, we bring together a multispecialty team of surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, other cancer specialists, as well as gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists. Together, we coordinate your care for screening, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
We offer in-depth evaluation and treatment for all types of GI cancers, including:
- Anal cancer
- Colon cancer
- Cholangiocarcinoma (bile duct cancer)
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
- Liver cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Pancreatic cancer
- Stomach cancer
Our doctors helped develop targeted therapy, medications that target specific molecules on cancer cells to destroy cancer or prevent its spread.
GI Cancer Treatments
Every day, our researchers work to develop new techniques for earlier detection and improved treatments for GI cancer.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
- Our surgeons routinely tackle previously untreatable forms of pancreatic and liver cancer that require complex reconstruction of veins and arteries after tumor removal.
- Our team of surgeons has expertise in minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic procedures for cancers.
- Modern radiation therapy that targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy evolved from work pioneered at Stanford Medicine.
- Our nuclear medicine specialists helped develop peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), which uses radioactive substances to attach to and destroy neuroendocrine tumor cells.
Detection of GI cancer early and when it is most treatable is essential. Stanford Health Care offers advanced risk assessment and screenings for many types of GI cancer. Find out more about our GI Cancer Prevention Program.
At Stanford Health Care, you have many options for GI cancer treatment. Choosing the treatment that’s right for you depends on having a complete and accurate diagnosis. Our doctors combine decades of experience with the most advanced technology to precisely diagnose GI cancer.
Based on your symptoms and medical history, your doctor may recommend one or more diagnostic tests:
- Blood tests: Laboratory tests can reveal problems with your health or GI organs. They can also detect chemical markers that some tumors release into the blood.
- Advanced imaging: We determine the size and location of GI tumors using imaging tests such as CT, MRI, PET and DOTA.
- Endoscopy: This procedure involves a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) that doctors guide down your throat. Your doctor uses the scope to view the inside of your esophagus and stomach and collect a tissue sample, if needed.
- Endoscopic ultrasound: An ultrasound uses sound waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Your doctor inserts a thin ultrasound transducer through an endoscope to see your upper digestive tract.
- Colonoscopy: This screening test can find and diagnose colon and rectal cancer in its earliest stages when it’s most treatable. Your doctor inserts a probe into your rectum and colon to look for and remove potentially cancerous polyps.
- Biopsy: Your doctor collects a small amount of tissue using a needle inserted through the skin or during an endoscopy or colonoscopy. A pathologist examines the tissue under a microscope for cancerous cells.
- Genetic testing: Some types of cancer are inherited. If you have a family history of cancer, our doctor may recommend genetic testing to identify your risk.
Your care team collaborates closely to develop an individualized treatment plan with the care and support you need. Our weekly case reviews, traditionally called tumor boards, bring together team members to weigh the critical details of your condition and their implications for your treatment options. We have case reviews addressing colorectal cancer, liver and pancreatic cancers, upper GI cancers, and neuroendocrine cancers.
Depending on your needs, you may need one or a combination of treatments for GI cancer. Along the way, we monitor you closely and adjust the plan as your needs change.
The goal of GI cancer surgery is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. Depending on the stage of your GI cancer, you may have surgery first, then another type of cancer treatment, such as medication or radiation therapy.
At Stanford Health Care, our GI cancer surgeons specialize in the latest techniques, including minimally invasive procedures and open surgery. Whenever possible, we use the least invasive treatments to shorten your recovery time and help you feel better faster.
You receive care from surgeons who have extensive expertise, completing the most GI cancer procedures in Northern California. We treat tumors that were previously considered inoperable and offer complex surgical options, many of which aren’t available at other cancer centers.
Our GI cancer surgeons perform:
- Laparoscopic and robotic surgery: With this minimally invasive procedure, our surgeons use a few small incisions, a small camera, and specialized instruments to remove GI cancer tumors. This includes complex operations such as the Whipple procedure for pancreas tumors.
- Endoscopic procedures: We can treat certain GI cancers, such as esophageal, stomach, and colon cancer, without making any incisions. With endoscopy, the surgeon inserts an endoscope (narrow, flexible tube with a lighted camera) through your mouth or rectum to perform surgery.
- Open surgery: Surgery for GI cancers may involve traditional incision to access and remove the tumor.
Our medical oncologists are cancer specialists who use medications to treat cancer. Depending on the type of GI cancer, you may need one or more types of oral or intravenous (IV) medication, including:
As part of your treatment plan, you may receive cancer medications in combination with other treatments. We tailor your treatment to use the most effective medications with the fewest side effects.
Targeted therapy for GI cancer is an area of active research at Stanford Health Care. Targeted therapy agents recognize specific molecules on cancer cells and attack those cells. This precise approach avoids damaging noncancerous cells and can be highly effective, especially when combined with other treatments. Talk to your doctor to find out if you are eligible to participate in one of our targeted therapy clinical research trials.
Our radiation oncologists use precise pulses of high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells, while limiting damage to surrounding tissues. The types of external radiation therapy we offer include:
- 3D conformal radiation therapy
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy
- Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT)
Stanford neurosurgeons helped pioneered CyberKnife as a type of SBRT and revolutionized cancer care by treating tumors that were previously considered inoperable. Today, our advanced SBRT systems give our doctors the flexibility to select the most appropriate treatment for you.
Our interventional radiologists offer minimally invasive procedures to treat liver and other types of GI cancer. Interventional radiology delivers cancer treatment directly to the tumor. Examples include:
- Chemoembolization: Your doctor injects beads coated with a chemotherapy drug into the artery that feeds tumor. The beads offer dual treatment as they release the drug and block blood flow.
- Radioembolization: Similar to chemoembolization, this procedure uses radioactive beads that block blood flow to the tumor as they emit radiation.
- Tumor ablation: Your doctor uses a needle or probe to treat the tumor with microwaves, heat, or cold. Ultrasound ablation is a noninvasive way to focus ultrasound energy on the tumor.
Genetic mutations (changes) can increase the risk of certain GI cancers, such as colon, rectal, pancreatic, and stomach cancer. Our experienced cancer geneticists can identify a tumor’s genetic profile to help determine the right treatments for you, including targeted therapy. Learn more about our cancer genetics program.
At Stanford Health Care, we understand how cancer affects your body, mind, and spirit. That’s why we offer cancer care that extends beyond treating your physical health. Our Circle of Care approach helps guide you and wraps you in the services you need to navigate your cancer journey.
Innovation Through Clinical Research
Some of Silicon Valley’s brightest scientific minds are at the Stanford Cancer Institute and the Stanford Medicine Cancer Center. Medical discoveries and clinical advances happen here. Our physicians and scientists work every day to improve cancer prevention, detection, and care. We offer advanced diagnostics, the latest treatment technologies and techniques, and pioneering therapies in development through clinical trials. Let us put innovation to work for you.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are research studies that evaluate a new medical approach, device, drug, or other treatment. As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may have access to the latest, advanced clinical trials.
Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, visit: Stanford Cancer Institute Clinical Trials.
We know cancer is more than a condition—it's one of life's greatest disruptors. We offer you and your caregivers the support you need at every step of the way, including a team that actively listens, develops a plan for your unique situation, and stays with you from diagnosis to treatment and beyond.
Our customized approach to GI cancer care places you at the center of everything we do. We offer you the highest level of care in a warm, supportive environment. Our team of doctors, specialists, advanced practice providers, nurses, and staff are here for you at every step.
Your Doctors
Colorectal Surgeon
These surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions of the large intestine and rectum. Cancer surgeons perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue to evaluate for the presence of cancer.
View All {0} Colorectal Surgeons »Hepatobiliary Surgeon
These surgeons specialize in treating cancers of the liver, bile duct, and pancreas. Cancer surgeons perform biopsies (taking tiny tissue samples) to test for cancer. They also surgically remove tumors and surrounding tissue to evaluate for the presence of cancer.
View All {0} Hepatobiliary Surgeons »Hepatologist
These medical doctors diagnose, treat, and manage conditions of the liver, gall bladder, and bile ducts.
View All {0} Hepatologists »Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating GI cancer using medications, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.
View All {0} Medical Oncologists »Pancreatologist
These medical doctors diagnose, treat, and manage conditions of the pancreas.
View All {0} Pancreatologists »Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists have specialized training in using high-energy radiation to destroy cancer or prevent its spread while protecting healthy tissue.
View All {0} Radiation Oncologists »Surgical Oncologist
These are general surgeons who have specialized training the diagnosis, staging, and removal of cancers.
View All {0} Surgical Oncologists »Advanced Practice Provider
Our skilled nurse practitioners specialize in diagnosing and treating GI cancers. They see patients independently and occasionally alongside your doctor. APPs can give you a thorough exam, write prescriptions, and help prevent or treat any issues. Our APPs meet weekly to discuss patient needs.
View All 11 Advanced Practice Providers »Genetic Counselors
Some gynecologic cancers have a genetic component. Our counselors from the Cancer Genetics Program can guide you through decision-making about genetic testing for you and your family.
Extended Care Team
Nurses and Nurse Coordinators (RNs)
Nurses and nurse coordinators are registered nurses who coordinate your care with your GI cancer team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Care Coordinators
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance before and during your appointment.
- Medical Assistants: Medical assistants work with our team to help provide care. They may prepare you for an examination, assist your doctor, or take your vital signs before your appointment.
- Patient Care Coordinators: Our patient care coordinators help you with scheduling appointments and accessing your lab results. They are your first line of contact before you see your provider and guide you during your GI cancer care.
- Patient Access Representatives: Patient access representatives can answer all your questions about health insurance coverage, help you apply for health insurance, and refer you to our financial counselors.
Research Coordinators
Doctors at Stanford Medicine Cancer Center participate in research efforts to advance the understanding of GI cancers and their treatment. Research coordinators help screen candidates for possible participation in clinical research trials.
Cancer Care Services
Your wellness is our top priority. As part of your care, we design a wellness plan to support you and your family before, during, and after treatment.
We offer a wide array of support services to help you to feel your best. Contact our Cancer Care Services for your personal support plan.
We make access to care as simple as possible. We anticipate what you need and provide support when you need it. Our network of locations puts our services within your reach. User-friendly digital health tools help you stay connected with your care team. We accept most insurance plans and offer discounted transportation, short-stay options, and international travel and translation services. We help make sense of the details, so you can make decisions that are right for you.
We welcome you and make accessing care from the GI Cancer Program easy and convenient. We make every effort to coordinate your appointments, so that you can see multiple providers, as needed, during a single trip.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referral Information.
You may also submit a web referral or complete a referral form and fax it to 650-320-9443 or email the Referral Center at ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org.
HOW TO REFER
Email or fax a cancer referral form with supporting documentation to ReferralCenter@stanfordhealthcare.org or 650-320-9443.
To request an appointment with one of our GI cancer specialists, call 650-498-6000.