Gastrointestinal cancer treatment is a broad and evolving field focusing on cancers affecting the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, small intestine, colon, and rectum. Each area may involve different approaches based on the cancer's stage, location, and specific genetic factors. Oncologists often coordinate with surgeons, radiologists, and other specialists to create a treatment plan reflecting the individual's overall health and needs. Let us take a closer look at gastrointestinal cancer treatment from an oncologist.
Gastrointestinal cancers develop in organs responsible for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of waste. Although each type of gastrointestinal cancer has unique characteristics, many share common risk factors. These may include long-term inflammation, genetic predispositions, and lifestyle elements such as diet and tobacco use. Physicians frequently emphasize regular screenings and early detection because identifying symptoms or abnormalities at earlier stages can increase the likelihood of successful treatment.
When an oncologist confirms a diagnosis, they typically perform further testing to determine the cancer's stage and extent. Staging helps clarify whether the cancer is localized, regionally advanced, or metastatic. This information serves as the foundation for designing a targeted treatment plan.
Gastrointestinal cancer treatments depend on the location and stage of the disease. The oncologist will consider one or more of the following as part of a care plan:
Surgery is mostly reserved for tumors that remain confined to a specific area. Depending on the tumor's size and location, the oncologist may remove part or all of an affected organ. For example, a partial gastrectomy removes only a portion of the stomach, while a total gastrectomy removes the entire organ. In cases involving the colon or rectum, the oncologist may perform a colectomy or proctectomy. It is good to note that the oncologist may first introduce a minimally invasive gastrointestinal cancer treatment like chemotherapy or radiation therapy to shrink the tumor before performing surgery.
Chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cancer cells through specialized drugs administered intravenously (IV) or orally. These drugs circulate throughout the body, which makes chemotherapy valuable for addressing micrometastases— tiny cancer cells that spread beyond the original site. In gastrointestinal cancer treatment, chemotherapy may appear in a few contexts:
Oncologists select specific chemotherapy drugs based on tumor type and patient factors, often using combinations that maximize effectiveness while managing potential side effects.
Radiation therapy employs high-energy beams to damage cancer cell DNA, inhibiting the ability to multiply. In some gastrointestinal cancers, radiation combined with chemotherapy can help to achieve greater tumor reduction before surgery. This dual approach may improve surgical outcomes or control local spread. Radiation therapy is frequently delivered externally, but in some cases, brachytherapy is allowed, which involves placing a radiation source directly near the tumor site. Careful targeting of radiation helps protect healthy tissues while addressing malignant cells.
Targeted therapies focus on specific molecular markers found in cancer cells. According to the National Cancer Institute, unlocking these markers can disrupt the growth and spread of the tumor without extensively harming normal cells. Examples include monoclonal antibodies that interfere with proteins like epidermal growth receptor (EGFR) or vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Conversely, immunotherapies harness the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Agents like checkpoint inhibitors may improve survival outcomes in certain advanced gastrointestinal cancers. Oncologists often evaluate molecular profiling to determine if a patient's tumor is susceptible to targeted or immune-based interventions.
Supportive care is essential to gastrointestinal cancer treatment that addresses symptoms and side effects, ensuring optimal patient well-being throughout therapy. Nutrition counseling, pain management, and psychological support all contribute to a more tolerable treatment experience. In advanced stages, palliative care teams focus on improving the quality of life through symptom relief and emotional support for patients and their families.
It is important to note that patients are integral to ensuring they create an environment for gastrointestinal cancer treatment to thrive, primarily through lifestyle modifications and open communication. Oncologists often suggest dietary adjustments or physical activity tailored to the patient's capacity, as these interventions may enhance energy levels and promote overall health. Further, maintaining appointments and being open about the severity of side effects, management strategies, and physical and mental wellness concerns is crucial to ensuring the plan remains effective.
Gastrointestinal cancer treatment can include one or more interventions. No matter how long it takes or how many treatments are involved, the oncologist's primary aim is to get you into remission. If you have questions about this disease or its treatments, contact Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center and schedule a consultation.
Request an appointment here: https://lindenbergcancer.com or call Lindenberg Cancer & Hematology Center at (856) 475-0876 for an appointment in our Marlton office.
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