Why Choose Us for GI Cancer Care?
Nationally Recognized Programs
The Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology brings together two of the University of Chicago Medical Center's nationally recognized programs--cancer and gastroenterology. Both programs are consistently ranked among the top in the nation by U.S.News & World Report. In addition, our cancer program is one of only two programs in Illinois designated by the National Cancer Institute as an official cancer center.
Multidisciplinary Teams
Together, experts from medical and surgical oncology, general surgery, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology design an individualized treatment plan for each patient. These physicians work with nurses, psychologists, nutritionists, social workers, and other members of the care team to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Because we coordinate a patient's care across multiple specialties, we can minimize the time from an initial appointment to the start of treatment. The University of Chicago Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology is committed to providing easily accessible, responsive, and coordinated care to our patients.
Advanced treatments -- like the Whipple procedure for pancreatic cancer -- help people like Georgann beat cancer. »Read patient stories Experts in Surgical Oncology
Our physicians are recognized authorities in the surgical management of cancer. We have particular expertise in complex cancer cases where it has been demonstrated that improved outcome is seen in institutions that perform surgery in high numbers. Many patients considered "untreatable" at other institutions have found the care they need at the Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology.
Whenever possible, we offer minimally invasive procedures for cancer treatment. For patients, minimally invasive surgery means reduced recovery time, less pain, fewer complications, and minimal scarring.
Leaders in Gastroenterology
The University of Chicago was the first institution to establish a full-time department of gastroenterology--in 1927. Since then, our gastroenterologists have earned an international reputation as leaders in this field.
Unparalleled Experience
Every year, we treat a large number of patients with cancer. This vast experience often translates into better-targeted treatment therapies for our patients. In addition, we often have better outcomes for surgical procedures, especially the most complex operations to remove cancers.
Leading Research
Our physicians not only treat patients, but are also on the leading edge of cancer research. Currently, researchers at our world-class Cancer Research Center are studying cancer at every point along the research spectrum, including gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials. Because of this research, we can offer new treatments that are not readily available at other medical centers.
We are committed to identifying effective new cancer therapies and researching investigational drugs. In fact, one of our physicians found that a combination of investigational and established drugs could increase the one-year survival rate for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer from 18 percent to 54 percent.
In addition, University of Chicago doctors hold leadership positions in two national cooperative clinical oncology research groups--the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG) and the Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB).
More Information
- Colon Cancer
- Esophageal Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Why Choose Us for GI Cancer Care?
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