Gastrointestinal Cancers
01 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Overview
Gastrointestinal cancers develop in organs of the digestive system and can affect different parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These cancers vary considerably in their behaviour, biological characteristics and treatment requirements.
Medical oncology can play a role before or after surgery, as well as in advanced or recurrent disease. Accurate diagnosis and staging are important for determining which combination of treatments is most appropriate.
-
Where it developsOrgans of the digestive system
-
BehaviourVaries in biology and treatment requirements
-
Medical oncologyBefore or after surgery, and in advanced or recurrent disease
02 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Common Signs & Symptoms
-
01Persistent abdominal discomfort or pain
-
02Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
-
03Persistent indigestion, nausea or changes in digestion
-
04Changes in bowel habits
-
05Difficulty swallowing
-
06Unexplained bleeding, anaemia or persistent tiredness
These signs do not always mean cancer, but any new or persistent symptom should be assessed by a doctor.
03 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Diagnosis & Staging
Depending on the suspected cancer, evaluation may include imaging, endoscopy, blood tests and tissue biopsy. Pathology helps confirm the cancer and determine its specific characteristics. Additional molecular or biomarker testing may be appropriate for some tumours and can provide information relevant to systemic treatment. Staging is used to assess the extent of disease and support treatment planning.
- 1
Imaging, endoscopy & blood tests
Chosen according to the suspected cancer.
- 2
Tissue biopsy
Obtains a tissue sample for diagnosis.
- 3
Pathology
Helps confirm the cancer and determine its specific characteristics.
- 4
Molecular & biomarker testing
May be appropriate for some tumours and can provide information relevant to systemic treatment.
- 5
Staging
Assesses the extent of disease and supports treatment planning.
04 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Treatment Options
Treatment varies by the organ involved and stage of disease. It may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy or immunotherapy, with different approaches combined when appropriate. Some treatments may be used before surgery, while others may be given after surgery or for advanced disease.
Surgery
May be combined with other approaches when appropriate.
Radiation therapy
May be combined with other approaches when appropriate.
Systemic treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
- Immunotherapy
When treatments may be given
- Before surgery
- After surgery
- For advanced disease
The treatment plan is tailored to the cancer’s specific characteristics and the patient’s overall condition.
05 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Dr. Taori’s Approach
Dr. Taori has a broad background in solid tumour oncology and academic experience involving gastrointestinal malignancies, including presentations on primary gastrointestinal lymphoma. His care focuses on medical oncology assessment and coordination with the wider multidisciplinary team. The role of systemic treatment is considered in relation to the tumour type, stage and available pathology. This allows the medical oncology plan to be integrated with surgical, radiation and other specialist care when required.
- Broad background in solid tumour oncology
- Considers the tumour type, stage and available pathology
- Coordinates with the wider multidisciplinary team
06 — Gastrointestinal Cancers
Consultation
If you have been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal cancer, a specialist consultation can help you understand the diagnosis and the medical treatment options available. Dr. Taori can review the relevant clinical information and help explain the role of medical oncology in your overall care.
Explore Other Cancer Types
Learn more about the other cancers Dr. Taori manages.