Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer

At the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer, our mission is to improve the outcome for patients with esophageal and stomach cancer by advancing national standards of care, using the best therapies available, minimizing complications through collaboration in multi-disciplinary clinics, and developing innovative therapies for the future.

The Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer brings together specialists from Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center who are improving the way these cancers are diagnosed and treated. Our team of medical, surgical, and radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, and pathologists has decades of experience in caring for patients with esophageal cancer and gastric (stomach) cancer, as well as Barrett's esophagus.

Learn about how we diagnose and treat esophageal cancer and Barrett's esophagus.

Learn about how we diagnose and treat gastric (stomach) cancer.

As a highly specialized center, we focus on the distinct needs of people with these particular diseases. This enables us to provide a very personalized approach to care for our patients.

We've treated thousands of people with these conditions, and this vast experience has given us an unparalleled level of expertise. Patients come to our center from around the world for surgery, second opinions, and an optimal plan to beat their cancer.

Experience affects outcomes. Studies show that people with esophageal and stomach cancer have better outcomes at high-volume centers like ours whose specialists have treated large numbers of patients. Our own research also shows enormous benefits from having dedicated thoracic surgeons and a thoracic ICU, which translates to better outcomes for patients with esophageal cancer.

Innovation and research

Our innovative approach is reflected in our distinctive collaborative, multi-disciplinary model of care that involves physicians, nurses, and researchers. Specialists from gastroenterology, pathology, radiology, surgical oncology, thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, and other specialties meet regularly to review all feasible approaches to treatment, and to ensure that patients receive the best combination of treatments.

Our approach is also reflected in innovative treatments and diagnostics that spring from our team's position at the forefront of cancer research. We are one of the world's leading groups researching, publishing, and implementing new approaches to diagnostics and novel therapies for esophageal and stomach cancer.

Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center specialists are actively involved in research and apply the latest findings to patient care. We offer our patients opportunities to take part in clinical trials investigating new, targeted therapies. These clinical trials are a significant part of our treatment approach, and many of our patients choose to participate. We also screen for known mutations for which targeted therapies may be applied.

Compassionate care and support

We have an aggressive approach to treatment and a compassionate approach to care. Our team is committed to finding the very best way to help patients and their families cope with the physical and emotional effects of cancer and its treatment.

Patients have access to a range of services, including nutrition counseling, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. We also understand that cancer affects more than the body. We offer support programs and resources that help patients and families, including complementary therapies such as massage and acupuncture.

Our expertise makes us a resource

At the Center for Esophageal and Gastric Cancer, physician-scientists are working to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of esophageal and stomach cancer. We actively collaborate with colleagues at other hospitals on the best ways to take care of patients.

• Our center functions as a place for translational scientists from around the world to convene to define the best ways to diagnose, treat, and follow up with patients.
• We hold annual educational forums with oncologists from the community to update them on the treatment of esophageal and stomach cancer.
• We provide second opinions and give guidance to other doctors throughout the world.