Overview

The branch of Oncology that deals with the cancers of the Digestive system is known as Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology.


The cancers of the Gastrointestinal tract (GI), Pancreas, Liver and the Biliary tree (HPB) put together for one the largest volume of the cancer burden. Gastro-Intestinal (GI) Oncology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these cancers. Most of these cancers require multimodality treatment comprising of various subspecialties like GI and HPB Surgical Oncology, GI and HPB radiation Oncology, GI and HPB Medical Oncology. In addition, there are other specialists with focused training in GI and HPB cancer Diagnosis and treatment like Medical Gastroenterologist, Peri-Operative and Intensive care physicians Diagnostic and intervention Radiologists, Nuclear Medicine specialists, Genetic and Molecular biologists, pathologists are part of the treatment team.


The GI oncology team also has ancillary specialists like Nutritionists, Pain managers, Stoma therapist, Physical and Rehab therapist, Psychologists and Counsellors.

Advantages of Gastrointestinal Cancer Management Team at Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

GI cancers usually need multimodality diagnostics and treatment. At Apollo Proton Cancer Centre, its modern diagnostic armamentarium is uniquely placed for accurate diagnosis and staging of the disease which is a prerequisite for treatment planning. The Advanced Olympus endoscopy systems chromoendoscopy and Narrowband imaging can detect tiny lesions. The 3 Tesla MRI and the Digital PET CT along with Endo Ultrasound provide a foolproof staging system. The digital Pathology lab provides for rapid review and universal reporting.


Each case is discussed in a Multi-disciplinary tumour board with the expertise in Medical, Radiation and Surgical for appropriate and optimal patient and cancer stage-specific treatment plan.


Proton Therapy has a vital role in treating in Gastrointestinal Cancer.


Most of the GI surgery is performed by Minimally Invasive technique: Robotic and Laparoscopic techniques with minimum patient morbidity and early rehabilitation and discharge.


Precision oncology based on molecular targets is a hallmark of GI cancer systemic therapy.

What cancers affect the digestive system?

The cancers can affect any part of the digestive system as shown below:


  • Food pipe cancer (Oesophageal cancer)
  • Stomach cancer (Gastric cancer)
  • Small Intestinal Cancer
  • Large Bowel Cancer (Cancer of the colon and the Rectum)
  • Anal Canal Cancer
  • Liver and Bile duct Cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Gall Bladder Cancer
  • Gastro-Intestinal Stromal tumors
  • Gastro-Intestinal Lymphomas
  • Appendicular cancers
  • PseudomyxomaPeritonei and other Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
  • Neuro Endocrine tumors of the Gastrointestinal tract including Carcinoids

Why APCC for Gastrointestinal Cancer?

Each type of cancer of the digestive system is unique and has various treatment options. Depending on the stage of the disease and the patient factors different treatment modalities (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation or others) have to be used in various combinations, either concurrently or sequentially. Each patient’s cancer requires intense discussion among the diagnostic specialists (radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists, nuclear medicine specialists) and the surgical, medical and radiation oncologists to arrive at an appropriate treatment plan. By this Multi-disciplinary team approach, we at APCC ensure that the patient's treatment follows the best practices in the world and is evidence-based but more importantly contoured for each patient and his condition. Further, the response to treatment is monitored by the Multi-Disciplinary team continuously and treatment tailored as dictated by the response.


Types of Gastrointestinal Cancers


Winning over Cancer with Apollo Proton Cancer Centre

A breakthrough in Cancer Care! The global growing cancer burden tells an ominous tale. To counter this growing threat, Apollo Proton Cancer Centre provides a complete and comprehensive solution. As cancer care has become one of the fastest-growing healthcare imperatives across the world, we believe it is critical to redefine our purpose, to reboot our commitment on the single-minded focus - to battle cancer, to conquer cancer! APCC stands as a ray of hope for millions, infusing them with the courage to stand and stare cancer down.