Gastrointestinal Carcinoid Tumor Treatment

There are many different gastrointestinal carcinoid tumor treatment options available to a patient who has been diagnosed with this form of cancer. The specific treatment(s) recommended depend entirely on the patient’s specific condition, as well as his or her symptoms and overall health. As with all types of cancer, the earlier the cancer is detected the better, and if the cancer is localized within the stomach, appendix, small intestines, colon or rectum, it is often more easily treated than if it has spread to other parts of the body.

The Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center boasts a multispecialty team that specializes in providing a variety of treatment options for patients with a GI tumor. These Treatments include:

• Surgery – The goal of surgery varies from patient to patient and may entail the complete resection of tumors, as well as supportive surgery, like bypass procedures.
• Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is a treatment that uses drugs (injected or taken orally) to destroy or slow the growth of a tumor. Our team also performs unique combination chemotherapy treatments and molecular targeted therapy.
• Radiation therapy – This approach uses a high-energy X-ray is used to destroy cancer cells and is usually used in combination with other treatments or recommended when the cancer is advanced and surgery is not an option. Specifically, our team performs stereotactic body radiotherapy and MRO-focused ultrasounds.
• Interventional radiology – These minimally invasive techniques can be performed during the diagnosis process or are sometimes recommended as an alternative to traditional surgery. Examples of the procedures we offer are arterial embolization, radiofrequency ablation, image-directed nonvascular interventions and procedures that block blood supply to tumors inhibiting further growth.

In addition to these treatment options, Moffitt Cancer Center is heavily invested in clinical trials, and we support research in new drug discovery, molecular therapy, immunotherapy and other breakthroughs. Additionally, we offer pain management and other supportive care services to help reduce discomfort and stress, improving our patients’ quality of life.

As a National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are equipped to provide a range of gastrointestinal carcinoid treatment options that aren’t available at other Florida facilities. This prestigious distinction was awarded, in part, in recognition of our landmark clinical research and advancements in the understanding of cancer.

To learn more about our Gastrointestinal Oncology Program and our various treatment options, call 1-888-663-3488 or complete a new patient registration form. No referral is required to meet with our oncologists specializing in gastrointestinal carcinoid tumors.