Gastrointestinal Clinical Programs

​​​​​​​​​The Gastrointestinal (GI) Site Group has a large staff and access to University Health Network partner hospitals and facilities. The GI Site Group also works together with teams at Mount Sinai Hospital. The GI Group treats cancers of the large and small intestines, esophagus, stomach, biliary tract, liver, pancreas, gallbladder and anus. They also treat neuroendocrine cancers originating in the GI tract.

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Advanced Interventional Radiology Techniques

Our interventional radiologists offer radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive curative option, for patients with limited hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases, and transarterial chemotherapy embolization (TACE), a specialized treatment for our patients with liver cancer.

Advanced Radiation Oncology Technologies

The GI radiation oncologists of Princess Margaret's Radiation Medicine Program treat patients using the full complement of leading-edge radiation therapeutics available at our centre. Radiation oncologists in the GI Site Group have been instrumental in evaluating advanced technologies in the management of all GI cancers:

  • 3-Dimensional radiation therapy (3DCRT)
  • Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
  • 4-Dimensional organ motion evaluation (e.g., liver motion due to breath)
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) (e.g., liver and oligo [or isolated] metastasis)
  • Endoluminal brachytherapy (e.g., rectum)
  • Organ motion management (breath hold)
  • Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT)
  • MR-guided radiation therapy
  • Adaptive radiation therapy

Princess Margaret is a world leader in liver SBRT.

Anal Canal Cancer Program

At Princess Margaret, IMRT-IGRT is the standard of care for patients with anal canal and perianal cancers. Patients have an opportunity to participate in one of the largest prospective evaluations of clinical outcomes and quality of life in this uncommon disease.

Colorectal Cancer Program

GI site group surgeons are strong advocates for the best surgical care and standards within our program and throughout the province. Working with Cancer Care Ontario, surgeons from Princess Margaret and Mount Sinai actively promote the standardization of pathology reporting and magnetic resonance imaging in rectal cancer in collaboration with pathologists and radiologists throughout the province. Surgcal techniques range from open surgery to laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Princess Margaret has successfully introduced Total Mesorectal Excision (TME) in a multi-institutional international collaborative.

Esophageal Cancer Program

Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy play critical roles in the management of esophageal cancer. Our patients receive the highest standard of surgical care from our GI and thoracic surgical oncologists and radiation and medical oncologists, with some patients being treated with all three modalities (tri-modality). Close collaboration of the core subspecialty disciplines ensures optimal delivery of tri-modality therapy. Surgical approaches include open surgery and minimal access approaches with the goal of early detection and treatment.

Gastric Cancer Program

While surgery remains the mainstay of treatment for patients with localized gastric cancer, patients are reviewed through our multidisciplinary team and evaluated for adjuvant treatment options including, but not limited to, perioperative chemotherapy, concurrent chemotherapy and radiation. Furthermore, patients are evaluated for candidacy into clinical trials, such as the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group Phase III trial of preoperative chemotherapy versus preoperative chemotherapy for gastric cancer (TOPGEAR).

Hepatobiliary Cancer Program

As part of our internationally recognized program, we offer state of the art radiation, medical oncology, and interventional radiology treatment. Surgical options include liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver metastases, cadaveric and living-donor transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Learn more about the Hepatobiliary Cancer Program »

Pancreatic Cancer Program at the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer

We have a multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer program with trials for patients across most stages. As part of our internationally recognized program, we offer potentially curative surgery for pancreatic cancers, including vascular reconstruction. Patients with pancreatic cancer who require vascular reconstruction following resection are now treated with a comprehensive program of preoperative conformal radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Program at the Wallace McCain Centre for Pancreatic Cancer »

Peritoneal Malignancy Program

In collaboration with Mount Sinai Hospital, the Peritoneal Malignancy Program is a highly specialized multidisciplinary clinical and research program. Treatment includes peritoneal debulking surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for patients with peritoneal metastases. Patient consultations take place at the Peritoneal Malignancy Clinic at Princess Margaret. Patients for whom the procedure is suitable undergo surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital.

https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Health_Professionals/Programs_Departments/Breast/Pages/clinical_programs.aspx
https://www.uhn.ca/PrincessMargaret/Education/Continuing_Education_Programs/Pages/continuing_education_programs.aspx
Last reviewed: 4/14/2025
Last modified: 4/15/2025 10:13 AM
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