Gastrointestinal Oncology Program
Gastrointestinal cancer, one of the most common cancers in the United States, now accounts for nearly 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cancer cases. It can affect the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, gall bladder, colon and rectum. The disease may draw your attention through a routine screening or with symptoms such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
If you or a loved one is diagnosed with a form of gastrointestinal cancer, choosing a hospital for your treatment is a critical first step. The Cancer Care Center at Rush-Copley leads the way with the Gastrointestinal (GI) Oncology Program, bringing the region's most comprehensive, academic-level services to the community.
We know that conquering cancer and stepping into survivorship is a life-altering experience. We also understand that cancer does not define you. We're here to help with exceptional technology, expertise and energy. It's our promise to you.
Promising Extraordinary Care
Cancer is best described as overwhelming at any stage. At the Cancer Care Center, we strive to care for you and your family as a whole, not just treat your cancer. We do everything we can to make the process easy and convenient for you and those supporting you. That includes:
- Scheduling one visit to meet all your doctors
- Providing all services in one location
- Having our GI Oncology Nurse Coordinator available for visits and education. This patient navigator is a familiar face every time you come to the Center.
Most importantly, your care will be managed by a team of medical experts who specialize in gastrointestinal medicine. You can count on being treated by the very finest oncology specialists in the region. We are committed to providing a personal approach to caring for you. Promise.
Keying in on Prevention and Early Detection
Through our Center for Prevention and Early Detection, we offer a variety of community education programs and online resources. You'll also find the following resources:
- Fecal occult blood testing (FOBT) kits
- Flexible sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Double contrast barium enema
Pinpointing Disease Using Advanced Diagnostics
Taking advantage of the latest technologies allows for a quicker, more efficient diagnosis which may ultimately lead to a faster recovery. The GI Oncology Program provides the newest diagnostic technologies.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)
- Endoscopic Ultrasound
Advanced Medicine in the Cancer Fight
Early detection is the key to survival. Prompt, innovative care delivered in a respectful, compassionate manner is our promise.
Patients have access to some of the latest advances in cancer treatment through our participation in clinical trials with leading national cooperative oncology groups including the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG). The program also participates in pharmaceutical trials.
High-risk Patients
In addition, our multidisciplinary team is experienced in caring for patients at increased hereditary risk for GI cancers. Through the GI Oncology Program, you and your patients have access to current information about the appropriate surveillance and preventive measures for those at high risk. Services include cancer screening, specialized counseling and genetic testing.
The most common hereditary syndromes are Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) and Hereditary Nonpolyposis Colon Cancer (HNPCC). Patients with FAP will find our team is experienced in managing duodenal polyposis and desmoid tumors. We utilize an integrated approach involving specialists in urology and gynecological oncology for patients with HNPCC related cancers other than colon cancer (endometrial, ovarian, small intestine, and urinary tract cancers).
The following is a summary of the advanced diagnostic and surgical procedures and treatments currently utilized by the Rush-Copley GI Oncology team:
- Endorectal ultrasound for early diagnosis and staging of intestinal cancers
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to detect and stage cancer and to differentiate malignant from normal tissue
- Sphincter preserving surgery for rectal cancer includes techniques to maintain function and create a neo-rectal reservoir, helping to optimize quality of life after surgery
- Ileoanal pouch anastomosis for familial polyposis allows the maintenance of continuity following total proctocolectomy
- Radio-frequency ablation (RFA) for colorectal and liver tumors uses a probe and microwaves to destroy malignancies
- Resection for recurrent colorectal cancer entails the surgical removal of recurring malignancies
- Endoscopic stent placement involves surgical stent insertion for colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancers and includes biliary, enteric, and duodenal stent placement
- New oral chemotherapy agents are utilized as they become available and their efficacy is confirmed
- Photodynamic therapy
- Neo-adjuvant chemoradiation
- Neo-adjuvant chemoradiation
- Endoscopic ultrasound staging
- Trans-hiatal and trans-thoracic resection
- Surgical therapy with lymph node dissection
- Liver resection for primary liver and metastatic colon cancers allows surgical removal of the cancer
- Cryoablation in which extreme cold is used to destroy tumors
- Intra-arterial chemotherapy for targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs to the liver
- Chemoembolization
- Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
- Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) permits noninvasive imaging of the pancreas.
- Endoscopic ultrasound allows staging and biopsy of the small intestine and pancreas
- Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) includes drainage of pancreatic fluid, biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomy, bile and pancreatic duct stone removal and stent placement, management of benign and malignant strictures, sphincter of Oddi manometry, and duodenal metal stent placement.
- Advanced surgical management of benign and malignant pancreatic disease including pancreaticoduodenectomy (Whipple procedure), distal pancreatectomy, laparoscopic bypass procedures for advanced pancreatic cancer, biliary and duodenal stenting, and photodynamic therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
- Adjuvant chemoradiation treatment is available for esophageal, colorectal, pancreatic and other gastrointestinal cancers.
Not Just Surviving but Living Well
Patients receive a wide range of support during treatment in the GI Oncology Program. Our multidisciplinary team includes a dedicated enterostomal therapist, psychologists and social workers, physical and occupational therapists as well as counseling for billing and insurance issues.
All patients and family members are invited to participate in our biweekly Living with Cancer support group as well as attend the annual Cancer Survivors Day celebration.
Recovery programs such as therapeutic memberships are available through the Rush-Copley Healthplex including yoga and massage. Other programs such as fatigue management or Look Good...Feel Better® help patients improve their quality of life.
To schedule an appointment, or to learn more about the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at the Rush-Copley Cancer Care Center, call 866-4COPLEY (1-866-426-7539).
