Gastrointestinal Cancer

Gastrointestinal cancers are complex, which makes it essential to receive treatment from doctors who are experienced in treating them. At UT Southwestern Medical Center, our GI cancer team is dedicated exclusively to treating these cancers, all day, every day. 

Our level of specialization is unique in North Texas because many cancer doctors in the community see a variety of cancers. For our patients, this focus means we can better answer their questions and create individualized treatment plans supported by years of experience. 

As the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in North Texas, we deliver the best cancer care available today and push to discover new treatments. NCI designation means we offer patients the ability to participate in the broadest possible range of clinical trials, with access to potential therapies not available at other facilities.

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Focused on Treating Gastrointestinal Cancer

Each year, more than 250,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers – which includes any cancer that starts in the digestive system. These cancers account for approximately 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers. Most commonly, these include:

• Colorectal cancer
• Gallbladder/bile duct cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Stomach/EG junction cancer 

Unique Treatment, Real Teamwork

With some of the most experienced GI cancer surgeons in Texas, we can offer a comprehensive range of operative treatments. Minimally invasive techniques, such as robotic surgery, help our patients recover faster, and our high volume of surgical cases means better outcomes for our patients. 

When radiation therapy is needed, our GI cancer-focused radiation oncologists use the latest techniques with the most modern approaches, such as 3-D conformal radiotherapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and brachytherapy implants. 

For some patients, standard care options don’t help. UT Southwestern offers many new GI cancer treatments through clinical trials at their earliest stages of development, before they are available at other medical centers. 

To treat the whole patient, not just the cancer, we offer other resources patients might need during their cancer journey, such as nutrition counseling, support groups for patients and their families, cancer rehabilitation, lifestyle education, genetic counseling, and much more. 

Our entire team of GI cancer specialists – medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, gastroenterologists, and others – work closely together in the same environment. It’s not uncommon for patients to see more than one specialist at an appointment when needed. We meet regularly, whether impromptu after a patient’s appointment or formally in the weekly multidisciplinary team meeting. Collaboration and communication are always part of each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan.