Serving patients in Illinois, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas, the Gastrointestinal (GI) Cancer Center at City of Hope® Chicago provides leading-edge gastrointestinal cancer care for a wide range of cancer types that affect the digestive system, including:
- Colorectal cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Barrett’s esophagus, a precancerous condition
Our team of gastroenterology experts also offers advanced screening and diagnostic tools, which play a vital role in creating an effective cancer treatment plan for cancers at every stage. The GI Cancer Center is committed to bringing innovative treatment options to every patient, with a care plan that is personalized to their diagnosis and their health goals. Powered by our world-renowned, National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California, our expert, compassionate care is founded on the latest research findings and treatment options.
GI Cancer Care in Chicago
The GI cancer team takes a team-based approach to your care. By collaborating across specialties, we are able to tailor your treatment plan to your needs and monitor your progress as you undergo treatment. Your dedicated team of physicians and supportive care specialists will meet regularly to review your progress and ensure you receive the most effective treatment possible, delivered with compassion and respect.
What Sets Our Chicago GI Cancer Program Apart?
With advanced screening and treatment options, the Gastrointestinal Cancer Center offers patients a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to GI care, including:
- Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), a procedure that combines an endoscopy and an ultrasound to capture images of the digestive system and is sometimes used as a treatment approach for certain cancers
- Intratumoral chemotherapy, in which chemotherapy is placed directly on or near a tumor, often using EUS
- Neuroendocrine experts experienced in diagnosing and treating neuroendocrine tumors, which can form in the nervous system or hormonal glands and may affect the digestive tract
- Treatment for Barrett’s esophagus, a painful condition that affects the esophagus and can develop into cancer
- Hepatic artery infusion (HAI) therapy, which may allow chemotherapy drugs to be directed specifically at the liver when colorectal cancer spreads there
Our Chicago Gastrointestinal Cancer Experts
The GI cancer team at City of Hope Chicago is led by renowned gastroenterology expert Pankaj Vashi, M.D., A.G.A.F., F.A.S.P.E.N., and includes surgeons with expertise in advanced and minimally invasive techniques, radiation therapy and chemotherapy experts, medical oncologists, and supportive care specialists. Meet our GI cancer team:
“I value the patient-empowered approach to care at City of Hope,” says Dr. Hatem Halabi, Chair of the Department of Surgery, City of Hope Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix and a Surgical Oncologist who serves as Medical Director of robotic surgery at City of Hope Chicago hospital. “Patients should be
Ajaz M. Khan, M.D., joined City of Hope Chicago in March 2022 as a medical oncologist and chair of the department of medical oncology at the City of Hope Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix.
Shen Li, M.D., is a surgical oncologist with City of Hope in Illinois. Learn about his background, education and experience treating cancer patients.
Dr. Pisick treats a wide range of cancer types. He has conducted extensive research on lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma.
For Karan Shah, M.D., M.B.A., radiation oncologist at City of Hope Chicago, a career in medicine was the inevitable choice. “Being a doctor allows me to merge my interest in the human body with my desire to make a positive difference in the world,” he says.
Karen Smorowski, M.D., radiation oncologist at City of Hope Chicago, knew she wanted to be an oncologist since she was 7 years old. “My uncle was diagnosed with cancer,” she says, “and I remember thinking even then that there had to be a better way to treat people with cancer.”
Dr. Vashi uses minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat gastrointestinal tumors and help reduce cancer-related symptoms.
Make an Appointment With Our Gastrointestinal Team
City of Hope Chicago
GI Cancer Center
2520 Elisha Ave.
Zion, IL 60099
New patients: (888) 338-6077
Existing patients: (847) 510-2822
