Gastrointestinal cancer care

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be challenging. That’s why our caring team of gastrointestinal cancer specialists is here to assist you. We offer seamless care, guiding you from diagnosis through treatment to ensure the best possible results.

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What is gastrointestinal cancer?

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer refers to a group of cancers that affect the digestive system. The digestive system, also known as the GI tract, is a continuous tube that stretches from the mouth to the anus. It plays a crucial role in digesting and absorbing nutrients from food, as well as eliminating waste products from the body.

GI cancers can form in the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, rectum, and anus.

Clinical trials

Our clinical trials pave the way for research breakthroughs and new, effective cancer treatments.

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Second opinions

If you've received a diagnosis, our team of experts offers second opinions to grant you peace of mind.

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Support services

Through these offerings, you can receive specialized physical and emotional support during cancer treatment.

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National Cancer Institute "Designated Comprehensive Cancer Center" badge on top of exterior shot of the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine

Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute

Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.

Comprehensive care for all GI cancers

At Penn Medicine, our GI cancer specialists come together to care for you—in mind, body, and spirit.

From prevention, early detection, and diagnosis through treatment and recovery, you’re in the hands of a strong team of GI medical oncologists, nurse navigators, radiation oncologists, surgeons, gastroenterologists, primary care physicians, dietitians, social workers, and therapists focused on giving you the care you need.

Gastrointestinal cancers we treat

Metastatic neuroendocrine tumor cells in the blood flow

Neuroendocrine cancer expertise

Neuroendocrine tumors, which are found in the GI tract, look like GI cancers but are managed differently. Our care team has extensive experience treating these hormone-producing tumors.

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GI cancer treatment options at Penn Medicine

Gastrointestinal cancer treatment requires extensive medical expertise and teamwork. Our dedicated team of doctors and support professionals focuses solely on caring for these complex cancers. We understand the intricacies of therapy decisions and collaborate closely to customize a treatment plan that’s right for you.

Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)
A high dose of chemotherapy is heated and circulated through the abdominal cavity to remove cancer cells.
Immunotherapy
This treatment boosts the immune system, enhancing its ability to recognize and eliminate abnormal cells.
Chemoembolization
Chemoembolization is used to treat liver cancer. 
Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) pump
This medical device is used to deliver chemotherapy, a cancer medication, directly to the liver.
Chemotherapy
This treatment uses strong medicines to target and eliminate cancer cells and to prevent their spread.
Proton therapy
This noninvasive, precise radiation therapy uses high-energy protons to damage the DNA in cancer cells.

Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program

Our cancer genetics experts have developed a specialized program to support individuals and families affected by or at risk of hereditary gastrointestinal cancer or colon polyps. We provide advanced cancer risk evaluation, genetic counseling, genetic testing, and comprehensive medical care through our expert clinical team. The Gastrointestinal Cancer Genetics Program offers the following services.

Cancer care at Penn Medicine

Penn Medicine’s Cancer System is led by the Abramson Cancer Center with locations at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Hospital, Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Chester County Hospital, and outpatient locations in the Philadelphia and NJ suburbs. Beyond the greater Philadelphia region, the system includes programs at both the Ann B. Barshinger Cancer Institute at Lancaster General Health and Princeton Medical Center.
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Our doctors

Our providers work with you to plan and deliver exceptional treatment and personalized care.

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Locations

Our hospitals, multispecialty medical centers, pharmacies, labs and more offer outstanding, personalized care for patients all across the region.

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Patient stories

Finding triple-negative breast cancer at 33, she chose ‘Team Penn’

Shocked to learn she had stage III breast cancer, Kate Korson knew just where to go. She flew home to Penn Medicine, where a clinical trial saved her life.
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In the face of skin cancer, proton made all the difference

A Lancaster man and father of two reveals how proton therapy helped him beat skin cancer and reclaim his life.
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Patient puts national spotlight on cancer clinical trials

As Kate Korson recently shared on Good Morning America, both she and her mother participated in clinical trials at Abramson Cancer Center.
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A grateful patient pays it forward to treat uterine cancers

Dalia Jakas credits her doctor with curing her uterine cancer without harming her quality of life. Now, she’s paying it forward for future patients.
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A community hospital is a destination for cancer care

At Lancaster General Health, receiving advanced treatments closer to home has changed the battle with cancer for patients across central Pennsylvania.
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Improving care for patients with acute lymphocytic leukemia

A clinical trial gave Becky Yu access to treatment that would become the new standard of care for newly diagnosed acute lymphocytic leukemia.
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Epilepsy surgery gives patient a new lease on life

Minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) surgery reduced the epilepsy symptoms a patient had experienced for more than 30 years.
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Faith, fate, and families

At the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn, a unique philanthropic investment is making rapid progress toward preventing and treating heritable cancer.
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CNN anchor Kasie Hunt had brain surgery at Penn

Before starting her own daily news show, journalist Kasie Hunt came to Penn Medicine for a growing brain tumor that was causing painful headaches.
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A new way to treat Afib: Pulsed field ablation

Rick Smith chose pulsed field ablation for its precision and faster recovery. One month later, he’s back on the road, grateful for the care he received.
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Schedule an appointment

We can help you schedule an appointment or you can search our directory of specialists.

Make an appointmentCall 800-789-7366