Gastrointestinal & Hepatobiliary Oncology: Comprehensive Care at Metro Cancer Institute

Metro Cancer Institute provides cutting-edge services for the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers. Our multidisciplinary team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, molecular oncologists, and other specialists. This collaborative approach ensures personalized and effective treatment plans for each patient.

Disease Management Groups (DMGs)

Our DMGs focus on specific cancer types, including breast, gynecological, and gastrointestinal cancers. Weekly tumor board meetings involve specialists from various fields, including surgery, medicine, radiation, pathology, and radiology, to discuss and develop optimal management strategies for each patient. This site-specific approach allows our clinicians to become experts in their respective areas.

Services Offered

• Diagnosis and Investigations: Comprehensive assessment and diagnostic tests.
• Specialist Review and Second Opinion: Expert evaluations and consultations.
• Staging and Cancer Genetics: Detailed staging and genetic risk assessments.
• Pre-operative Counseling: Guidance before surgery.
• Site-Specific Surgical Oncology: Advanced surgical techniques, including sphincter-sparing and trans-endoscopic microsurgery (TEMS).
• Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Targeted Therapy: Cutting-edge treatments tailored to individual needs.
• Radiotherapy: Utilizing advanced techniques such as IMRT, IGRT, and SBRT.
• Critical Care and Rehabilitation: Specialized care for recovery and rehabilitation.
• Palliative and Supportive Care: Comprehensive care to improve quality of life.
• Clinical Trials: Access to innovative treatments & therapies.

Types of Cancers Treated

• Esophageal
• Stomach
• Large intestine (colon), rectum, and anus
• Pancreas
• Bile duct and gallbladder
• Liver
• Small intestine
• Retroperitoneum
• Neuroendocrine system

Radiation Oncology Unit

• Radiation Therapy: This treatment uses high-energy radiation to target and destroy cancer cells. It can be administered externally (External Beam Radiation Therapy) or internally (Brachytherapy). Key techniques include:
• IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy): Focuses radiation precisely, reducing damage to surrounding tissues.
• IGRT (Image-Guided Radiation Therapy): Uses imaging to ensure accurate targeting.
• SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy): Delivers high doses of radiation in fewer sessions.

Medical Oncology Unit

Medical Oncology: Involves the use of chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to treat cancer. This includes:

• Neoadjuvant Therapy: Pre-surgery treatment to shrink tumors.
• Adjuvant Therapy: Post-surgery treatment to reduce recurrence risk.
• Palliative Therapy: For controlling advanced cancer and improving quality of life.

Supportive Services

• Stoma Care: Management of artificial openings for waste collection.
• Onco-Psychology: Psychological support for cancer patients.
• Dietetics and Nutrition: Nutritional guidance tailored to cancer care.
• Onco-Cardiology: Cardiovascular care related to cancer treatment.
• Cancer Prevention and Genetics: Risk assessment and preventive advice.
• Molecular and Precision Oncology: Targeted treatment based on genetic profiling.
• Tobacco Cessation Services: Support for quitting smoking.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal cancer?

Early signs include persistent indigestion, frequent burping, bloating, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing.

Can a CT scan detect stomach cancer?

Yes, CT scans provide detailed images and can help detect and monitor stomach cancer and its spread.

Does gastric cancer spread to other organs?

Commonly spreads to the liver, peritoneum, lungs, and lymph nodes.

Is gastric cancer hereditary?

It can be hereditary, but lifestyle factors also play a significant role.

Which foods are associated with stomach cancer?

Foods preserved by salting, processed meats, and charcoaled foods may increase risk.

Metro Cancer Institute is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary cancers, combining advanced technology with expert clinical practice.