The goal of the Center for Early Detection and Interception of Gastrointestinal Tumors is to increase early detection of gastrointestinal cancers and their precursor conditions, and improve treatment options for patients with precursor conditions so they can be offered treatment at the right time.
Understanding Your Risk
Cancer can occur for a variety of reasons, but some people have a higher risk because of genetics, family history, or the development of precursor conditions/lesions. Our team can help you assess if you are at elevated risk and would benefit from being seen by a provider.
What Are Precursor Conditions?
Precursor conditions are early phases of diseases that may develop into cancers. Precursors of gastrointestinal tumors include:
- Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) with worrisome features or >3cm
- Gastric carcinoid tumors
- Neuroendocrine neoplasms of the pancreas (benign)
- Barrett’s esophagus
Our Services
Our multidisciplinary approach to care ensures patients benefit from the care of gastroenterologist, oncologists, surgeons and advanced practice providers who are experts in precursor conditions, genetic counseling, advanced diagnostics, individualized risk assessment, access to clinical research studies, social support and more.
Advanced Diagnostics
Our Center offers advanced diagnostic and sequencing technology to diagnose and assess each patient's condition.
Our specialists provide patients with individualized assessments of their risk of progression to gastrointestinal cancers, discuss therapies and lifestyle changes that impact cancer risk, and match interested patients with appropriate therapeutic clinical trials.
Condition-Specific Expertise
Patients meet with a gastroenterologist-oncologists with an in-depth knowledge of their specific risk factors. The gastroenterologist-oncologist will perform an individualized assessment of the patient’s risk for developing cancer — which may include imaging, blood-based tests, or biopsy — and work with the patient to identify the best management and/or treatment option.
Genetic Counseling
Patients may be evaluated by an experienced genetic counselor to discuss their personal and family health history, cancer risk, additional cancer screening recommendations, and potential strategies to lower the risk of progression.
Additionally, patients being actively followed in our Genetics and Prevention Clinic have access to our providers in the Center for Early Detection and Interception of Gastrointestinal Tumors if they develop a precursor condition.
Clinical Trial Opportunities
Our team is committed to advancing research of early detection and interception strategies. For patients today, this means access to clinical trials of new tests and therapies, as well as the opportunity to participate in biobanking studies.
Social Support
Patient navigators, psychologists and social workers are available to offer patients resources and support.
Meet Our Team
Physicians
Nicolette Rodriguez, MD, MPH
Advanced Practice Providers
Marjorie Marto, PA
Genetic Counselors
Karina Franca, MS, CGC
Liz Kearns, MS, CGC