Skip to content
King's College Hospital London - Jeddah
AR
24/7 Care Line+966920066668
LocationContact UsCareersPatient PortalDr KingsHealth Library
AR
Oncology · Sub-specialty

Gastrointestinal Oncology

Overview

Gastrointestinal Oncology focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of cancers within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and associated organs, including the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, small intestine, colon, and rectum. This subspecialty involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining the expertise of gastroenterologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and radiologists to offer comprehensive care. Treatment strategies may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, tailored to each patient’s specific type of cancer and its stage.

Gastrointestinal Oncology
Our approach to care

Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, including endoscopic procedures, imaging studies (CT, MRI, PET scans), and biopsy procedures, will be performed to accurately diagnose gastrointestinal cancers. Blood tests, including tumor markers specific to GI cancers, can help in diagnosing and monitoring treatment response. Genetic and molecular testing of tumor tissue will identify actionable mutations, informing targeted therapy and immunotherapy choices, personalizing the treatment approach. A multidisciplinary team approach ensures comprehensive assessment and care planning, incorporating the expertise of gastroenterologists, surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, and radiologists to develop an optimized treatment plan for each patient. Patients and families will receive detailed explanations of the diagnosis and staging, empowering them with knowledge and understanding of their condition and the rationale for recommended treatment approaches.

Surgical interventions, tailored to the type and stage of cancer, aim to remove tumors while preserving as much normal function as possible. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are customized to each patient’s specific cancer, with the goal of reducing tumor size, controlling disease spread, and improving survival. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies are selected based on the genetic and molecular characteristics of the cancer, offering more personalized and effective treatment options. Supportive care measures and palliative care services are integral to the treatment plan, addressing side effects, nutritional concerns, and quality of life issues. Participation in clinical trials is encouraged, providing access to the latest advancements in gastrointestinal oncology treatments and contributing to the ongoing improvement of care standards.

Adhere to your treatment schedule and follow dietary and lifestyle recommendations closely, to support your overall health and enhance treatment efficacy. Regularly communicate with your gastrointestinal oncology team, reporting any new symptoms or side effects for timely management and adjustment of your treatment plan. Stay informed about your condition and treatment progress, actively participating in discussions about your care and exploring all available treatment options. Engage in supportive care programs, including nutritional counseling, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support, to address the comprehensive impact of gastrointestinal cancer and its treatment. Consider joining support groups or seeking counseling services to navigate the emotional challenges of living with cancer, fostering a supportive community and resilience throughout your treatment journey.

Your visit will include a thorough review of your medical history, current symptoms, and any prior treatments, establishing a comprehensive understanding of your health status and needs. Diagnostic findings and treatment options will be discussed in detail, with clear explanations provided to help you understand your diagnosis and the recommended treatment plan. You will be informed about the specific type of gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed and the personalized treatment options available, including the benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each treatment. Supportive care options will be introduced, focusing on symptom management and quality of life improvements to support you throughout the treatment process. A follow-up care and monitoring schedule will be established, outlining next steps, additional tests, or procedures needed to manage your condition effectively

More in this specialty

Oncology

Medical Oncology

Surgical Oncology

Radiation Oncology

Pediatric Oncology

Gynecologic Oncology

Hematologic Oncology

Neuro-Oncology

Thoracic Oncology

Genitourinary Oncology

KCH Jeddah app

Your consultant, in your pocket.

Book appointments, view reports, track prescriptions, in a single app.

KCH Jeddah app