Michigan Gastric Cancer Care Program
When you choose Ascension Michigan Cancer Care, your interventional gastroenterology team at Ascension St. John Jerome E. Williams Gastric Cancer Program, focuses on the whole you to improve your quality of life. Experienced cancer specialists performs advanced minimally invasive procedures to treat cancerous tumors and lesions in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our leadership in treating gastric cancer includes being the first in the state of Michigan to perform cutting-edge treatments such as STER (Submucosal Tunneling Endoscopic Resection) and ESD (Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection).
Other advanced techniques we offer include:
- EFTR (Endoscopic Full Thickness Resection)
- EMR (Endoscopic Mucosal Resection)
- POEM (Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy)
We treat the full range of gastric cancers, including:
- Gastroesophageal (GE) Junction
- Esophageal
- Pancreatic
- Hepatobiliary
- Gallbladder
- Liver Cancer
- Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
- Soft tissue sarcomas of the gastrointestinal tract (GIST)
Chemotherapy
As a part of a multidisciplinary team, our medical oncologist, provide up to date, evidenced-based, and researched-based chemotherapy regimens and protocols for patients with gastrointestinal cancers. Patients receiving chemotherapy will benefit from the knowledge base and expertise of the medical and nursing staff specifically in our Van Elslander Cancer Center and on our Medical and Surgical Oncology unit, 6 North. All patients receive chemotherapy education classes prior to starting treatment at our facilities. At Ascension St. John Hospital we encourage patient participation in clinical trials to ensure the greatest possible outcome.
With the help of our multidisciplinary team, Ascension St. John Hospital has created dedicated cancer pathways that are tailored to the patients’ needs. These pathways are designed to mirror and model the NCCN guidelines. The NCCN guidelines are a set of national standards that cancer center must follow for diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance of patients with cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Here at Ascension St. John Hospital, we utilize radiation therapy as a component of our multidisciplinary approach. Our radiation oncologists are trained in providing the best treatment for patients with gastrointestinal cancers using new, state of the art radiation therapy techniques and machines.
Surgery
We offer the latest technological advancements in minimally and noninvasive surgeries such as laparoscopic and endoscopic resection of tumors. Our gastroenterologist, Dr. Mohammad Barawi is trained on the newest, leading edge endoscopic procedures. Our surgical oncologist Dr. Richard Berri, trained at MD Anderson, performs complex surgeries using minimally invasive techniques. All of Dr. Berri’s gastrointestinal surgical patients undergo surgical prehabilitation before their surgical procedures with the goal of decreasing hospital length of stays, improving overall patient outcomes, and decreasing the risk of adverse (unwanted) outcomes.
Common procedures performed by our doctors include:
- Mediport Placement
- Excision of Gastric Masses
- Gastrectomy (Total and partial)
- Esophagectomy
- Pancreatectomy
- Splenectomy
- Whipple Procedure
- Hepatectomy
- Endoscopic Mucosal Resection – performed only at Ascension St. John Hospital by Dr. Barawi
- HIPEC - performed only at Ascension St. John Hospital by Dr. Berri for Gastrointestinal Cancers that have spread to the peritoneum
Nutritional Support
At Ascension St. John Hospital we monitor nutritional status before, during, and after treatment. We have dedicated inpatient, outpatient, and homecare nurses trained to care for cancer patients with upper gastrointestinal malignancies. Ascension St. John Hospital believes that nutritional assessment and monitoring is a key to successful treatment. Our Jerome F. Williams Gastric Cancer Program also has defined Esophagectomy/gastrectomy diet plan that can be tailored to each patient’s needs to ensure the best possible outcomes.
To find out more about our treatment programs for gastric cancer call 313-647-3252.
