Gastrointestinal Cancer Care
Each year, approximately 250,000 people are diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer, or cancers of the digestive system. These include cancers of the esophagus, stomach, bile duct, pancreas, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum and anus.
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are among the most complicated and difficult to treat as they are often located in hard-to-reach places. These complex cases require experienced oncology teams, coordinated care, and highly sophisticated technology for successful outcomes. Where you go for GI cancer care truly matters.
GI Cancers We Commonly Treat
Many different types of cancer fall under the umbrella of gastrointestinal oncology. Below is a list of the GI cancers commonly treated at the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial. If you’re seeking care for a specific or rare cancer that isn’t on this list, please call our GI Cancer Navigator at 941-262-7565, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
- Anal cancer
- Cholangiocarcinoma
- Colon cancer (colorectal cancer)
- Esophageal cancer
- Gallbladder cancer
- Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor
- Gastrointestinal Stomal Tumor
- Hepatopancreaticobiliary cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Neuroendocrine Tumor
- Pancreatic cancer
- Rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
- Small intestine cancer
- Stomach cancer (gastric cancer)
Navigating GI Cancer
No two patients are the same, and neither are their cancer journeys.
Need help navigating yours?
Click here to contact our nurse navigators.
GI Cancer Treatments
An array of treatment modalities, ranging from the latest targeted therapies to the most innovative surgical methods provide our patients with access to the most advanced surgical and non-surgical cancer care available. That translates to more treatment options and expert cancer care for our patients.
Our team of surgeons excel in minimally invasive surgical techniques using the latest technology, such as the Da Vinci Robotic Surgical System. 3D high-definition optics and 360 degree articulation allow our robotic surgeons to perform complex surgery with ease. Minimally invasive procedures have less impact on the patient’s body, which means less post operative pain, faster recoveries, and reduced risk of complications such as infection.
Highly specialized treatments such as Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) are associated with fewer and less severe side effects than traditional chemotherapy treatments. With HIPEC, which combines targeted chemotherapy with surgical treatment, the abdominal cavity is filled with heated chemotherapy drugs during surgery to remove tumors or lesions.
Surgical Treatments for GI Cancer
- Laparoscopic and DaVinci Robotic procedures, including:
- Esophagectomy
- Tumor Staging
- Splenectomy
- Colectomy
- Proctectomy
- Polypectomy
- Pancreatectomy (Whipple)
- Gall Bladder Removal
- Resections of esophagus, stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, colon and rectal cancer
- Whipple procedure for pancreatic tumors
- Peritoneal chemotherapy with cytoreduction surgery
- Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Nonsurgical Treatments for GI Cancer
- Biotherapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Specialized radiation therapy treatments
- Imaging-guided treatments, including embolization and ablation therapies
- Immunotherapy
- Radiofrequency ablation and other tissue/tumor ablation for Barrett’s esophagus and early-stage esophageal cancers
- Endoscopic Services
- Enternal stent placement
- ERCP (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography)
- TheraSpheres (liver cancer)
Cancer Care Beyond Treatment
At Sarasota Memorial's Jellison Cancer Institute, we treat more than just the cancer. Our care focuses on the whole person, helping patients—and their families—through the physical, emotional and mental effects of cancer.
GI Cancer Review Board
Our GI Cancer Tumor Board is a multidisciplinary team of physicians and providers including representatives from Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Surgery, Radiology, Gastroenterology and Pathology. This commitment to interdisciplinary care ensures that our patients benefit from comprehensive, coordinated and inclusive treatment plans. The team meets regularly to ensure each patient benefits from a unified treatment strategy that is truly tailored to the individual.
Accreditations & Honors
- The Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial is fully accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer
- In 2022, the Brian D. Jellison Cancer Institute at Sarasota Memorial earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). Accreditation by the NAPRC is granted only to those programs that are committed to providing the best possible care to patients with rectal cancer.
- US News ranks Sarasota Memorial as a higher performer for Colon Cancer Surgery in its 2024-2025 report.
- The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has awarded Sarasota Memorial a certificate of recognition for promoting quality in endoscopy.
More Resources for Patients and Caregivers
Digestive disorders
Gastrointestinal Cancer Screening and Advanced Testing
Cancer and caregiver tips and news
Printable resources
SMH Published Research Related to GI Cancer
Cancer info office, call 941-262-7500