Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancers
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers affect the digestive system, including the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, small intestine, and colon. These organs work together to process food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. When cancer develops in this network, it can disrupt vital functions in unique ways.
At the Cancer Center of Southern California, we specialize in treating complex and difficult-to-treat cancers. Many of our patients come to us after being told that no options remain. Our cancer team strives to provide clarity, second opinions, access to clinical trials, and same-week appointments, so you do not lose precious time.
Call us at (310) 552-9999 or complete our online form to schedule a consultation today.
Understanding GI Cancer Symptoms
The symptoms of GI cancers can be subtle and tend to resemble everyday digestive problems. Symptoms may include:
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Changes in bowel habits
- Blood in stool or dark stools
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent indigestion
These symptoms can be easily confused with less serious abdominal conditions, and that is why many GI cancers are diagnosed later than they should be.
If you or a loved one experiences persistent or unexplained digestive symptoms, it is important to seek evaluation. A timely diagnosis can make a meaningful difference in treatment options and outcomes.
Diagnosis of GI Cancer
We provide fast access to diagnostic testing and same-week specialist appointments, so you are not left waiting months for answers. The diagnostic process may involve:
CT, MRI, and PET scans to identify tumors and staging
Minimally invasive exams of the digestive tract to visualize the tumor
Tissue analysis for accurate diagnosis
Identifying mutations to guide targeted therapies
Seek a Second Opinion for Your Cancer Plan
Many patients come to us after being told elsewhere that they have limited or no options. In such complex cases, a second opinion can provide new clarity and possibilities. Our expert oncologists have decades of experience managing advanced gastrointestinal cancers.
Second opinion consultations can help:
- Validate your diagnosis
- Review tumor staging and prognosis
- Explore innovative therapies and clinical trials
- Offer guidance on quality-of-life care
If you feel uncertain about your current treatment plan, we encourage you to seek a second opinion from our oncologists.
How We Build Your Treatment Plan
- Multidisciplinary Team: We collaborate with expert oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, nutritionists, and genetic counselors from leading institutions, such as UCLA, USC, and Cedars-Sinai.
- Whole-Body Care: Your cancer treatment focuses on preserving your quality of life alongside fighting the tumor. We focus on reducing side effects, improving treatment tolerance, and supporting emotional and physical well-being.
- Integrated Approach: Every treatment plan is personalized, combining established therapies with innovative options, such as targeted treatments, immunotherapies, and clinical trial access.
Research Leadership
Our founder and director, Dr. Sant P. Chawla, is a world-renowned oncologist trained at MD Anderson Cancer Center and a former leader of the cancer program at Cedars-Sinai.
With over 30 years of experience, he has led many clinical trials that have resulted in the approval of breakthrough cancer therapies that have changed the standard of care. His research has supported the use of treatments such as carboplatin and trabectedin (Yondelis), and he was also involved in studies that brought anti-nausea therapies like Zofran to patients.
We actively lead investigator-initiated and pharmaceutical-sponsored trials, giving patients access to treatments not widely available.
Types of GI Cancers We Treat
Gastrointestinal cancers can develop in any part of the digestive system, and each type behaves differently based on its location.
We specialize in a wide spectrum of gastrointestinal cancers.
Esophageal Cancer: Develops in the lining of the esophagus and can be classified as squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma.
Stomach (Gastric) Cancer: Forms in the lining of the stomach and may affect any region, often influenced by genetic or environmental factors.
Colorectal Cancer: Includes cancers of the colon and rectum, typically arising from precancerous polyps in the intestinal lining.
Pancreatic Cancer: Originates in the pancreas, which produces digestive enzymes and hormones such as insulin.
Liver Cancer (Hepatocellular Carcinoma): Develops in liver cells, frequently associated with chronic liver conditions.
Other GI Cancers: Less common types of GI cancer include small intestine cancer, anal cancer, gallbladder cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), and GI carcinoid tumors.
Even if your diagnosis is not listed here, we encourage you to contact us. Many patients approach us with rare or complex cancers, and we review every available treatment option for every patient who comes to us.
Access Groundbreaking Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are the most powerful way forward in treating advanced GI cancers.
The Cancer Center of Southern California is actively involved in numerous investigator-initiated and pharmaceutical-initiated clinical trials. We assist qualified patients in accessing novel drugs and treatments not yet widely available.
- Trial enrollment for HMO and Kaiser patients
- Support with insurance and free drug trial applications
- Compensation support for travel and lodging expenses
- Compassionate use options (INDs) for patients ineligible for trials
Treatment Options for GI Cancers
We create individualized treatment plans designed around your cancer type, stage, and overall health. Your multi-modal treatment plan may include:
We are pioneers in supportive care that reduces the toxicity of chemotherapy and improves quality of life during treatment.
Focused energy beams are directed at the tumor site to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.
When possible, surgery is performed to remove the tumor along with surrounding tissues. We manage referrals and coordinate care with leading surgeons.
These treatments block specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow and spread.
It involves stimulating the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
Every treatment plan we create is highly individualized. We take into account the stage and grade of the tumor, prior treatments, overall health, and personal factors, such as age and lifestyle.
Your Partner in Fighting GI Cancer
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, don’t wait months for answers. We make it a priority to see new patients quickly, because we know that when it comes to cancer, time matters.
- See a specialist within a week
- Direct access to oncologists
- Explore innovative treatment options
- Get compassionate, whole-person care
- Assistance for financial support
To schedule an appointment, call us at 310-552-9999 or request an appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Genetic and molecular testing can identify mutations or markers that influence how the cancer grows. These results can help our oncologists recommend targeted therapies or match patients to clinical trials for their cancer’s unique profile.
Several factors can increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, including a family history of GI cancers, inherited genetic mutations, smoking, heavy alcohol use, chronic gastrointestinal conditions, obesity, and diets high in processed or smoked foods. Age is also a major factor, as risk increases over time.
Yes. Many clinical trials cover the cost of the investigational treatment itself, and some sponsors also assist with related expenses like travel or lodging. If you do not have insurance, our team can help explore financial assistance programs to ensure access to trials whenever possible.
Supportive care includes strategies to reduce side effects and maintain quality of life, such as nutritional counseling, pain management, emotional support, and approaches to improve treatment tolerance. We provide these services as a part of your personalized cancer care plan.
Compassionate use (also called a single-subject IND) allows patients who aren’t eligible for a clinical trial to receive promising investigational therapies with FDA approval. This option is considered when no standard treatments are available.
