University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Overview

The GI (Gastrointestinal) Cancer Disease Site strives to provide state-of-the-art treatments and therapies for those with colon, esophageal, stomach, pancreatic, and bile duct cancer as well as other more rare gastrointestinal cancers; to be an educational resource for patients and the community about the disease; and to provide an environment that stimulates excellence in cancer research.

Researchers focus on the development and evaluation of novel treatments for gastrointestinal tract cancers. Many investigators are actively involved in studies with new compounds such as monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, and new chemotherapeutic agents. Most often, state-of-the-art treatments can be found only in clinical trials. Because of this, UPCI and UPMC are very active in a number of clinical protocols.

A multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of GI cancers is necessary to address the complexity of the disease. An experienced and dedicated team of gastroenterologists, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, gastrointestinal surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists, behavioral psychologists, dietitians, and oncology nurses provide patient care. In addition, there is increasing evidence that some GI cancers may be hereditary, and the Disease Site has active clinical care and research programs in genetics and molecular markers of disease.