Gastrointestinal oncology

Esophageal carcinomas often require multimodal therapy that combines surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. If diagnosed at an early stage, endoscopic resection of the tumor may be sufficient. In locally advanced stages, preoperative (neoadjuvant) chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to shrink the tumor before surgery and increase the chances of complete removal. After surgery (adjuvant therapy), further treatments are often carried out to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.

These carcinomas, which affect the junction between the oesophagus and stomach, are treated in a similar way to oesophageal carcinomas. Treatment may include a combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Preoperative therapies are used to shrink the tumor and facilitate surgery. Post-operative treatment aims to minimize the risk of recurrence and maximize the chances of recovery.

Colon and rectal cancers are usually treated by surgically removing the affected section of bowel. In certain stages of the disease, adjuvant chemotherapy is recommended after surgery to minimize the risk of recurrence. In advanced stages, neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy may also be used to shrink the tumor before surgery. Early detection through regular check-ups is particularly important in order to increase the chances of recovery. In the metastatic situation, differentiated targeted molecular or immunotherapies are now available, which can be individually tailored and combined with chemotherapy or used as the sole treatment.

The main treatment method for bile duct carcinomas is surgical removal of the tumor. In cases where surgery is not possible, local ablative measures and chemotherapy can be used. In addition, targeted therapies aimed at molecular changes in the tumor are available for advanced stages. The prognosis depends heavily on the stage of the disease and the patient’s general state of health.

Surgical removal of the tumor is often the primary treatment for gastric cancer. This may involve a total or partial gastrectomy (removal of the stomach), depending on the size and location of the tumor. Chemotherapy is often used in addition to this to reduce the risk of recurrence. Neoadjuvant therapies can shrink the tumor before surgery, while adjuvant therapies fight any remaining cancer cells after surgery. In advanced cases, various combined chemotherapy options are available to control the disease for as long as possible and minimize symptoms. Targeted molecular therapy and immunotherapies are increasingly being used here.

These rare carcinomas are usually removed surgically. In the case of metastatic disease, chemotherapy may be necessary to slow the progression of the disease and alleviate symptoms. The choice of treatment depends on the exact location and degree of spread of the tumor. In some cases, targeted therapies may also be considered.

Hepatocellular carcinomas (liver cell carcinomas) can be treated with surgical procedures such as liver resections or liver transplants. For inoperable tumours, local procedures such as transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or radiofrequency ablation are often used. Systemic therapies with targeted drugs or immunotherapies are also options for treating advanced tumors. Regular monitoring of liver function and early detection of complications are crucial to the success of treatment.

Gallbladder carcinomas are usually treated by cholecystectomy (surgical removal of the gallbladder). Adjuvant chemotherapy may be recommended after surgery, especially if the carcinoma is diagnosed at an advanced stage. In some cases, radiotherapy may also be considered to minimize the risk of recurrence and improve the chances of recovery.

Treatment of these tumors varies depending on the location, type and aggressiveness of the tumor. Options include surgery to remove the tumor, drug therapies such as somatostatin analogs, targeted therapies, and in some cases, peptide radio receptor therapy (PRRT). In the case of metastatic tumors, systemic therapy may be necessary to control the spread of the disease and alleviate symptoms. Close cooperation between different specialist disciplines is often necessary to ensure the best possible treatment.

Our practice participates in the Outpatient Specialist Care (ASV) program in cooperation with Klinikum Elisabeth Herzberge, Vivantes Klinikum im Friedrichshain and DRK Klinikum Köpenick. These collaborations enable comprehensive and specialized care for patients with gastrointestinal tumor diseases who have statutory health insurance. Interdisciplinary cooperation and access to state-of-the-art technology and specialists ensure optimal care. Privately insured patients benefit from this care structure in the same way.