After the diagnosis and staging of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST), a type of cancer that originates in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, your Penn Medicine doctors will develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Our team of cancer specialists—including medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, and surgeons—collaborate to provide you with an effective treatment plan. Their combined expertise helps patients like you experience better outcomes.

Determining the best treatment for your gastrointestinal stromal tumor

We determine your gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment based on several factors, including the stage of GIST, and the location and size of the tumor.

If you have an early-stage gastrointestinal stromal tumor, surgery alone is often an effective treatment. GIST surgery plus chemotherapy can also provide the best possible outcome when the tumor has progressed and spread. GISTs commonly spread to the liver or peritoneum, a layer of tissue that lines and covers abdominal organs. Chemotherapy and targeted drug therapy may also be used to treat metastatic GISTs both before and after the surgical removal of a tumor.

Our nationally recognized surgical team specializes in GIST removal. By working closely with our GIST tumor specialists, you benefit from the most advanced options to treat this cancer.

At Penn Medicine, you receive care from world-class experts who specialize in treating gastrointestinal stromal tumors. When you partner with us, you can expect:

• Advanced surgical skills: When it comes to GIST tumor removal, you want to work with doctors who have extensive expertise. Our surgeons have the skill and experience to perform even the most complex GIST surgeries.
• Latest treatments: Our doctors have been involved in research that has helped develop better, more precise ways to detect GISTs, new drugs that directly target GISTs, and methods to use your own immune system to target GISTs. Our patients have special access to the latest therapies that result from these efforts.
• Compassionate support: Our specialized GIST oncology nurse navigators are committed to making sure your experience with us is as comfortable as possible. They can help you navigate complex health-care situations, serve as your point of contact, and provide reliable advice and direction for you and your family.
• Groundbreaking GIST research: Our team includes world-leading GIST care and research specialists. Our experts have been at the forefront of some of the most exciting advances in GIST care, including the landmark clinical trial that studied the use of targeted medications after surgery.

In addition, we’re committed to your long-term care. Our team customizes your follow-up care, including tests and check-ups, to fit your life. We aim to serve you at a location that’s convenient to your home or work.

Penn Medicine GIST support services during treatment

Our specialists believe that exceptional care goes beyond medical treatment. We offer a wide variety of support programs and services to help you and your loved ones manage the physical and emotional effects of gastrointestinal stromal tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Support services for GIST include:

• Patient education
• Counseling for patients and families
• Nutritional counseling
• Home care services
• Stress management
• Support groups
• Palliative care and pain management
• Hospice information