Gastrointestinal Tumor Service

The Gastrointestinal Tumor Service (GITS) provides easy access to a multi-disciplinary team that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. This includes those of the colon, stomach, small intestines, rectum, liver, pancreas, bile ducts, esophagus, anus and retroperitoneum.

The GITS is designed to expedite the care of patients referred with symptoms or findings suspicious for a GI malignancy or a confirmed cancer diagnosis. One phone call to the GITS from a physician or patient results in a prompt evaluation that determines the most appropriate care pathway for the individual patient. The GITS nurse navigator assists with the coordination of each referral while providing information, education and support for patients and their families.

One phone call to 865.305.GITS can put you in touch with our team of board certified physicians led by Dr. Keith Gray, a surgical oncologist. Our team of specialists have an interest and expertise in the evaluation, management and treatment of all GI cancers. Each patient case is reviewed at the weekly multidisciplinary tumor conference attended by surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, genetic counselors and clinical nurses in order to determine the best treatment plan for the individual. This individualized treatment plan is designed to maximize outcomes and quality of life.

In partnership with the referring physician, the GITS will work to determine and complete the specific plan of care. Patients may be referred for only special diagnostic procedures or treatments and then returned to the referring physician for completion of their care plan and follow-up.

All specialists and procedures are available in one location on the campus of The University of Tennessee Medical Center.

Areas of Treatment include the following.

The GITS at the University of Tennessee Medical Center Cancer Institute offers comprehensive education, prevention, risk reduction, diagnostic and treatment options that include:

• Arterial and Portal Vein Embolization   
• Capsule Endoscopy 
• Clinical Trials
• Embolization Chemotherapy
• Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) and Biopsy 
• Genetic Evaluation and Screening 
• Hepatic, Pacreatic and Biliary Resection including Whipple Procedure 
        - for Whipple Procedure 
• Interventional Radiology with Biopsy & Stent Placement
• Minimally Invasive Cancer Surgery 
• Nutritional Counseling 
• PET Imaging
• Radical Surgery for Advanced or Metastatic Disease
• Radiofrequency and Microwave Ablation 
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (CyberKnife)   
• Supportive Services
• Yttrium 90 radioembolization    
  

Make one call to 865.305.GITS to find out more about our services from our specialists.