Cancers of the gastrointestinal system are among the most common in the U.S. and often require highly focused expertise for successful treatment and care. At the Gastrointestinal Oncology Program at the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Cancer Care, we have an international reputation for treating complex gastrointestinal cancers with exceptional care and excellent outcomes.
Montefiore continually develops and adopts new techniques and treatments for all cancers of the gastrointestinal system, including gastric and colorectal cancers as well as cancer of the esophagus, liver, gallbladder, pancreas and small intestine. We are experienced and equipped to undertake advanced surgical procedures not available at many other facilities and have greatly improved survival rates while reducing hospital stay and minimizing complications. Our new efforts in regional therapy focus on the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers that have spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity with combinations of surgery and chemotherapy delivered in the operating room.
We understand how important quality of life is to our patients. Our compassion, combined with our medical expertise, drives every decision we make with the goal of full function for our patients whenever possible. Our team provides the guidance, support and reliability our patients need from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
Montefiore is a leader in diagnostic techniques, using cutting-edge fusion scan technology. With this imaging technique, we are able to assess the status of tumors both before and after surgical treatment more accurately than ever before. In addition, we employ state-of-the-art intra-operative imaging techniques that provide a clear picture of the tumor during the treatment itself, so that we can adjust our efforts as needed.
Montefiore established the New York Metropolitan Colorectal Cancer Registry to promote colorectal cancer prevention, education, timely treatment and research in the region. The Registry provides colorectal cancer risk assessments based on personal and family history, and screening recommendations based on American Cancer Society guidelines. In addition, the Registry works with individuals and families with known or suspected hereditary colon cancer to identify healthcare providers for surveillance and treatment, and referrals for genetic counseling and testing.
Our surgeons are internationally recognized experts in colorectal cancer. We use minimally invasive techniques to improve outcomes and maintain function wherever possible. Such skill allows us to eliminate the need for colostomy in most cases. It is our goal to preserve our patients' sexual function and urinary continence as well.
Montefiore has made great advancements in the treatment of liver cancer. We use surgical techniques that minimize complications and maximize successful outcomes. Our results are truly outstanding, with a mortality rate significantly lower than the national standard. The overwhelming majority of our patients enjoy a return to normal liver function after surgery.
We have developed innovative therapies to tackle metastatic liver tumors (cancer spread from another site) when standard chemotherapy and surgery have ceased to work. In addition, we are pioneers in combining these techniques with vaccines to boost the body's immune system to further fight the cancer.
We treat pancreatic cancer by using the same combination of localized therapies and vaccine boosters. Montefiore's surgeons are experts at safely performing the delicate surgery involved with pancreatic cancer.
For our patients requiring palliative care (pain and other relief for the terminally ill), we use only minimally invasive methods. This drastically reduces the length of hospital stay and allows our patients to return home to the care and support of their families as quickly as possible.