Gastrointestinal Cancer

Compassionate Care and Groundbreaking Research in GI Cancer

GIST – Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors

To compare progression free survival (PFS) of nilotinib and imatinib when used as initial therapy in the above specified patient population.

Read more about this clinical trial

About Our Program

Our nationally recognized GI cancer team, led by Dr. Roderich Schwarz, is known for its extensive clinical, research and academic expertise, bringing together the multidisciplinary expertise of surgical, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists and gastroenterologists, as well as basic and translational scientists.

Conditions We Treat

More than 250,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with gastrointestinal cancer each year, which affects the digestive system and includes cancers of the esophagus, stomach, bowel, pancreas, liver, gall bladder, bile ducts, colon and rectum. Gastrointestinal cancers account for approximately 20 percent of all newly diagnosed cancers.

Treatment Options

UT Southwestern’s physicians have access to the latest technology, diagnostic procedures and treatments for gastrointestinal cancers. On-site state-of-the-art technology meets their demands as they collaborate to deliver the most advanced treatments in a patient-friendly environment. Dedicated patient coordinators (oncology-certified nurse practitioners) work closely with the physician team to streamline the patient experience. Procedures include:

  • Upper GI endoscopy
  • ERCP
  • Embolization
  • Laparoscopic resections
  • Colonoscopy
  • Endoscopic stent placement
  • Percutaneous procedures
  • Organ-Sparing resections
  • Sigmoidoscopy
  • Computed tomography
  • Radiofrequency ablation
  • Targeted therapy
  • Endoscopic ultrasound
  • PET scans
  • Diagnostic laparoscopy
  • Stereotactic body radiation therapy

In addition, cancer-risk reduction is a major part of the gastrointestinal cancer program at UT Southwestern. Risk factors such as personal or family history of colorectal cancer or polyps should be taken into consideration when determining whether patients are candidates for preventive screenings or procedures that can reduce the risk for developing gastrointestinal cancer.

Our GI cancer program offers major national clinical trials to patients with all types and at all stages of GI cancer, and we also develop our own trials based on the research of our physician-scientists.

To learn more about the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancers, spend some time in our Cancer Information library. If you have questions, be sure to talk with your physician or another member of your clinical care team.

Meet our Team

Get to know the physicians who comprise the GI Cancer Team.


Our Location

Outpatient Building
6th Floor, Suite 102

West Campus
UT Southwestern Medical Center
1801 Inwood Rd
Dallas, TX 75390

Phone: 214-645-HOPE(4673) or toll-free at 866-460-HOPE(4673)

View the printable UT Southwestern Visitor Guide for a campus map and detailed parking information. (Opens a new browser window.)

Have Questions? We can help.

214-645-HOPE(4673)

866-460-HOPE(4673)