Gastrointestinal Cancer Care
Each year, about 250,000 people are diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, or cancers of the digestive system. These include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most complicated and difficult to treat because they often are located in hard-to-reach places. These complex cases require experienced oncology teams, coordinated care, and highly sophisticated technology for successful outcomes. Where you go for GI cancer care truly matters.
GI Cancers We Commonly Treat
Many different types of cancer fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal oncology. Below is a list of the GI cancers commonly treated at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial. If you’re seeking care for a specific or rare cancer that isn’t on this list, please call our GI Cancer Navigator at 941-917-7390, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
- Anal cancer
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Colon cancer (colorectal cancer)
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
- Gastrointestinal Stomal Tumor
- Hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Neuroendocrine Tumor
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
Navigating GI Cancer
No two patients are the same, and neither are their cancer journeys.
Need help navigating yours?
Contact our GI Cancer Nurse Navigator at 941-917-7390 or GInavigation@smh.com.
GI Cancer Treatments
Sarasota Memorial Cancer Institute features an infusion center, offering chemotherapy and targeted therapies, as well as the latest imaging technology and Da Vinci Robot surgery tools, giving our patients access to the most advanced surgical and non-surgical cancer treatments available. That translates to more treatment options for our patients, and for Suncoast residents, it means expert cancer care close to home.
Highly specialized treatments such as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) are associated with fewer and less severe side effects than traditional chemotherapy treatments. With HIPEC, which combines targeted chemotherapy with surgical treatment, the abdominal cavity is filled with heated chemotherapy drugs during surgery to remove tumors or lesions.
Minimally invasive procedures have less impact on the patient’s body, which means less pain for the patient, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complication or infection.
Surgical Treatments for GI Cancer
- Laparoscopic and DaVinci Robotic procedures, including:
- Laparoscopic and Robotic Esophagectomy
- Laparoscopic and Robotic Tumor Staging
- Laparoscopic and Robotic Splenectomy
- Laparoscopic and Robotic Colectomy
- Robotic Pancreatectomy (Whipple)
- Robotic Gall Bladder Removal
- Resections of esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and rectal cancer
- Whipple procedure for pancreatic tumors
- Peritoneal chemotherapy with cytoreduction surgery
- Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Nonsurgical Treatments for GI Cancer
- Biotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Specialized radiation therapy treatments
- Imaging-guided treatments, including embolization and ablation therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation and other tissue/tumor ablation for Barrett’s esophagus and early-stage esophageal cancers
- Endoscopic Services
- Enternal stent placement
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
- TheraSpheres (liver cancer)
Cancer Care Beyond Treatment
At Sarasota Memorial's Jellison Cancer Institute, we treat more than just the cancer. Our care focuses on the whole person, helping patients—and their families—through the physical, emotional and mental effects of cancer.
GI Cancer Review Board
Our GI Cancer Tumor Board is a multidisciplinary group of physcians and other providers who get together to discuss individual cases, bringing the full attention of our entire oncology team to each case. This approach ensures our patients benefit from multiple expert opinions to develop the most comprehensive care plans.
Accreditations & Honors
- The Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer
- Rated as a High Performer (top 12 percent in the nation) for Colon Cancer Surgery by US News (2018-2019)
- Sarasota Memorial rated as a Top Performer by US News (2018-2019)
- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has awarded Sarasota Memorial a certificate of recognition for promoting quality in endoscopy.
More Resources for Patients and Caregivers
Digestive disorders
Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening and Advanced Testing
Cancer and caregiver tips and news
Printable resources
SMH Published Research Related to GI Cancer
Cancer info office, call 941-917-1981