The RUSH Approach to Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Treatment

At RUSH, we understand how overwhelming it can be when you’ve been diagnosed with a gastrointestinal (GI) cancer, such as stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, esophageal cancer or anal cancer. Our experienced, compassionate team of GI cancer experts is dedicated to providing you with the most advanced care, while also making your quality of life our top priority.

Your GI cancer team will help guide you through your entire continuum of care — from diagnosis and treatment through survivorship. A nurse coordinator will work closely with you to coordinate tests, treatments and appointments to ensure that you are receiving the care you need and addressing any concerns you may have along the way.

You may also receive gastrointestinal cancer treatment through The Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinic for Gastrointestinal Cancers at Rush University Medical Center, which brings together a team of GI cancer experts. In the clinic, you will meet with your care team — which may include medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, surgical oncologists, colorectal surgeons, interventional radiologists, genetic counselors, dieticians, social work, supportive oncology and others — in a single visit to discuss your diagnosis and GI cancer treatment options. At the end of this meeting, you will have a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and needs.

RUSH Excellence in Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Treatment

• Leading-edge treatments for GI cancers: As one of the nation's leading academic health systems, Rush offers leading-edge treatments in Chicago and the surrounding areas for GI cancers, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and minimally invasive surgical options. In some cases, your care team may also recommend genomic sequencing to further tailor and personalize your care. And, you'll also have access to clinical trials that are incorporating novel and innovative approaches for treating GI cancers.
• Expertise in treating advanced gastrointestinal cancers: Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is one of the few medical centers in the nation that offers hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a novel and effective treatment for certain patients who have advanced abdominal cancers, and peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), a novel therapy for neuroendocrine cancer.
• Center of excellence for pancreatic cancer care: Rush is a designated National Pancreas Foundation Center of Excellence. This designation recognizes Rush's multidisciplinary treatment of pancreatic cancer, treating the whole patient with a focus on the best possible outcomes and improved quality of life. Rush is the first health system in Illinois to earn this designation.
• High-risk clinic for GI cancers: The high-risk gastrointestinal (GI) cancer clinic at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago will work closely with you if you have underlying pre-cancerous conditions or genetic factors that put you at a higher risk for developing GI cancers — including colorectal, esophageal, gastric or pancreatic cancers. Our expert team will provide you with personalized GI cancer risk assessment, screening and preventive care — as well as a care and surveillance plan based on your distinct needs and risk factors.
• Convenient care: With Rush cancer locations in Chicago and throughout the suburbs, we make it convenient for you to get the gastrointestinal cancer treatment you need, where and when you need it. And no matter where you see your GI cancer provider, you can receive gastrointestinal cancer treatment at any of our infusion centers in downtown Chicago, Oak Park, Lisle and Aurora/Fox Valley.