Care Centers

Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit

UCSD is one of the few sites in the United States with state-of-the-art, innovative therapies and technologies to help you fight gastrointestinal cancer.

Since there are numerous types of GI cancer with many therapeutic approaches, our multidisciplinary team of physicians, surgeons and radiologists meet weekly to review each new case, so that you receive specialized care tailored to your unique needs. Our physicians have seen your specific cancer many times before. We know how to treat you with the very latest therapies offering the best outcomes.

The Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Unit provides screening, diagnosis and treatment for cancers affecting the digestive system, from the esophagus to the anus. Follow the links below to learn more about our unique approach to treating these cancers:

While some individuals may feel anxious about seeing a doctor, or fear the consequences of a cancer diagnosis, we promise that we’ll provide with you all the information you need to make an informed decision tailored to your unique situation. You’re not alone – we’ll be with you every step of the way.

Why choose UCSD?

UCSD is the only San Diego institution with a comprehensive GI Endoscopy Unit which offers technologies such as endoscopic ultrasound, cholangioscopy (evaluation of the bile duct), double balloon enteroscopy (evaluation of the small intestine), and endoscopic removal of early cancer and precancerous duodenum, colon and rectum tumors.

The basic researchers and physician-scientists at the UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center are some of the best in the world. Teams are exploring the genetics and molecular biology of gastrointestinal cancers, seeking new methods to stop cancer growth, investigating methods for symptom control, and continually coming up with new knowledge and technology to improve diagnosis and treatment.

Several new therapies are available through UCSD’s clinical trials. For example, there’s a new drug in the taxane family that has significantly fewer side effects than previous medications. Additional therapies include immune system boosters, drugs that target a tumor’s blood supply, and new antibodies that attack cancer.