Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Nationally recognized care for intestinal cancer in San Diego

A smiling middle-aged woman represents the full life that can be led after GIST treatment.

Nationally recognized care for intestinal cancer in San Diego

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, often referred to as GISTs, are tumors that develop in the walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive tract. Cancerous GISTs can spread quickly and require expert, comprehensive care.


Scripps Cancer Center specialists treat these gastrointestinal cancers using the most advanced methods. Surgery is the most common treatment for GISTs, and U.S. News & World Report ranked Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green Hospital among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery.


Our cancer teams personalize treatment to eliminate cancer while maintaining your quality of life. In addition, our multidisciplinary, collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews complex care plans to ensure patients receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.

Treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Scripps offers advanced treatments for intestinal cancer, including minimally invasive robotic surgery and targeted therapy that directly attacks cancer cells. If you’re diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, your Scripps cancer care team will develop a treatment plan based on where your tumor is located, whether it has spread and your overall health and lifestyle. Read more about potential treatment options in the subsections below.


Your Scripps cancer care team includes professionals from every area of oncology, including physicians, surgeons, radiation oncologists and nurses who specialize in cancer care. Learn more about how Scripps puts you at the center of care.

GIST treatment options at Scripps

Surgery

GISTs that have not spread may be removed surgically. Whenever possible, Scripps surgeons perform GIST surgery using minimally invasive techniques, requiring only small incisions in the abdomen.


Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy for gastrointestinal stromal tumors uses specific drugs to target receptors on the surface of cancer cells. This treatment can help shrink tumors, or slow or stop their growth. These drugs also may be given after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning.


Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy for GIST may be used to shrink large tumors before surgery.


Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy for GIST may be used to shrink large tumors before surgery.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats gastrointestinal stromal tumors at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.

Support groups, services and resources

As leaders in gastrointestinal cancer care, we know what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps helps you along every step of your cancer journey.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor support groups

In support of our patients, survivors, their family members and the community, we host a handful of cancer support groups as well as a range of free workshops and health and wellness events on a number of topics, such as:


  • Nutrition
  • Expressive writing
  • Yoga
  • Meditation


Check the current list of support offerings or contact your oncology social worker or cancer care coordinator.


For info about other cancer support groups in the San Diego community, call the American Cancer Society at 800-227-2345.

Support services for cancer patients

We are here for you — not only as your oncologists, but as a robust multidisciplinary team of experts who understands that your cancer journey is about much more than your medical treatment. Specifically, Scripps Cancer Center offers a variety of patient support services to ensure your physical, psychological and emotional well-being as well as resources for dealing with the logistical and financial aspects of cancer care. Our services and resources include:


  • Oncology nurses and nurse navigators with extensive clinical expertise in cancer care to help guide you and your caregivers to make informed decisions and ensure your optimal care.
  • Palliative care to provide an extra layer of supportive care to manage pain and relieve symptoms, offer emotional and spiritual support, and improve your quality of life. 
  • Oncology social workers specially trained to provide counseling, connect you with community and medical resources, assist with transportation and housing and coordinate care after discharge.
  • Our registered dietitian nutritionists offer individualized nutrition support for patients whose efforts to optimize their nutrition may be affected by cancer symptoms or treatment side effects.
  • Referrals and professional care from experts in psychology, psychiatry and emotional health, including individual and family counseling to help with the emotional challenges of cancer.
  • Physical rehabilitation and occupational therapy services, including wound care, voice therapy and swallowing therapy, lymphedema therapy, balance and vestibular rehabilitation, yoga and more.
  • Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine for patients interested in mind-body healing through acupuncture, biofeedback, herbal nutrition, massage therapy, integrative cancer care and more.
  • Nondenominational spiritual care offered by our chaplains to help coordinate spiritual care with your own clergy, rabbi or spiritual advisor.
  • Visiting patient services if you reside beyond San Diego and want help arranging appointments or learning more about short-term lodging.


For the full spectrum of offerings, please visit our cancer patient support services section.