Gastroinstestinal Cancer Program

Clinical Research

• Patients in clinical trials benefit from the latest developments in the field. Our patients have access to state-of-the-art clinical trials and newer medical therapies.
• Our model as an academic medical center is built on research, clinical care and finding solutions to cancer problems in our region.
• Our community-based research is focused on understanding and reducing gastrointestinal cancer disparities in the DC-metro region, including colon and liver cancer, special populations affected by HIV and anal cancer.

Advanced Diagnosis and Treatment

• The GW Cancer Center offers screening and treatment for all forms of gastrointestinal cancers, including esophageal, liver, pancreatic, bile duct cancer, colon, rectal and other types of cancer affecting the digestive system.
• We provide biopsies and on-site processing of results, including molecurlar analyses of tumors to better tailor treatments.
• We also provide on-site diagnostic imaging services.
• Patients at GW have access to all the latest treatments including radiation therapy; chemotherapy; systemic therapies like immunotherapy and targeted therapies; and surgical removal of tumors using minimally invasive robotic or laproscopic surgery.
• Our dedicated staff also offer supportive care and resources throughout your time at GW.

Leading Edge Technology

The GW Cancer Center provides patients with access to the latest technology in gastrointestinal cancers, including:

• Minimally invasive robotic systems for colon and rectal surgery
• Robotic-assisted lymphadenectomy
• Minimally invasive pancreas resection/whipple for benign and malignant conditions
• Minimally invasive liver resection for benign and malignant conditions
• Interventional ablation techniques, which are image-guided techniques for eliminating tumors without surgery
• Interventional embolization procedures such as TheraSphere® and chemoembolization
• Advanced stereostactic body radiation treatment, a specialized form of radiation that precisely targets tumors
• Systematic therapies including immunotherapy and targeted therapies (drugs that work at the molecular level to stop cancer)

GW Liver and Pancreas Institute for Quality

• Led by Lynt Johnson, MD, MBA, the GW Liver and Pancreas Institute for Quality offers innovative and state-of-the-art treatments for patients with pancreas, liver, bile duct, duodenum and gallbladder diseases.
• We offer some of the best outcomes of any center in the country.
• Our team not only offers surgical approaches to the most complex conditions but also combines expertise in interventional ablative techniques, vascular reconstruction, targeted precision drug therapies, and much more.

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Robotic-Assisted Surgery

• In 2009, the GW Hospital became the first in the region to use the da Vinci system for robotic colon and rectal surgery. We were also the first to use the Med Robotics Flex Robot for trans-anal surgery for patients with rectal cancer or rectal lesions. We also offer the brand new XI robot, which is the newest robotic system available for patients.
• During a robotic colectomy, surgeons remove cancerous portions of the colon and rectum, as well as benign tumors and polyps.
• A robot-assisted approach provides surgeons with the tools to more easily connect the two ends of the colon after the cancer has been removed.
• The procedure can be completed with a few tiny incisions, rather than the one long incision used in traditional open colon surgery, which means a faster recovery and less pain for patients.
• Robotic surgery allows surgeons to perform complex rectal cancer surgery, which had been exteremely challenging, in a minimally invasive manner.
• The robot provides improved visualization of the surgical site through 3D magnification, enhanced dexterity for manipulation and dissection of tissue and greater precision.

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