Dr. Virgilio George talks with a patient in an exam room

Gastrointestinal Cancer

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center is a national leader in treating gastrointestinal cancers, including colon and rectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver cancer, esophageal cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, bile duct (cholangiocarcinoma) and gallbladder cancer, anal cancer, and hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. We work in close collaboration with the MUSC Health Digestive Disease Center, rated highly for many years for the treatment of these diseases by U.S. News & World Report.

Though they are all part of the digestive system, each of these cancers is distinct. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with one of these cancers, then a gastrointestinal cancer specialist who understands their differences can be your best guide through your treatment choices. Our specialists work in multidisciplinary teams that include medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurse coordinators, an oncology dietitian and researchers in the lab.

Our Next-Day Access program for newly diagnosed, non-metastatic stomach and hepato-pancreato-biliary cancers means that you can start working with your team almost immediately. Our team’s goal is to ensure you receive the highest quality, most up-to-date care tailored to your needs.

High Performing Hospital | University Medical Center | US News & World Report 2024-2025 | Colon Cancer Surgery

In good hands

You know you're in good hands at MUSC Hollings Cancer Center, the state’s only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Here, you have access to the latest innovations in cancer treatment, including clinical trials, advanced surgical techniques, support services and survivorship planning. You can rest easy knowing we hold national rankings for cancer care and take a leadership role in cancer research and prevention.

The Hollings difference

Dr. George's willingness to talk to us was all the reassurance I needed. So I canceled all the appointments that my mom had set up at all the other hospitals. And I was like, ‘Something is telling me that this is where I'm supposed to be. And he's the doctor I need.’

Adriel Nutter, colon cancer survivor

Adriel's story
a smiling woman stands outside

Treatments for gastrointestinal cancers

Dr. William Lancaster talks with a nurse

At Hollings, you have the benefit of a multidisciplinary team of specialists with deep expertise in specific types of GI cancers. Our doctors don’t just follow the latest developments in treatment – they’re also doing the research. This means you will have a treatment plan tailored to your specific diagnosis and your individual needs.

Treatment options depend on how advanced the cancer is when it’s found. More details can be found on each of the specific cancer pages or by talking to your doctor. In general, options can include:

  • Surgery, including minimally invasive surgery
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Immunotherapy
  • Targeted therapies
  • Clinical trials

Our team is continually updating our techniques and technology to ensure that we can offer the least invasive, most personalized options to you.

Refer a gastrointestinal cancer patient

To refer a gastrointestinal cancer patient to Hollings, please call the appropriate patient referral coordinator:

Nurse navigator support

Our gastrointestinal cancer nurse navigators, Sara Sneed, BSN, RN (colorectal), and Anthony DeMeo, MSN, RN (hepatobiliary/pancreas/stomach), will help you understand what to expect during treatment and answer questions you may have.

Clinical trials for gastrointestinal cancer

As a National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, we firmly believe that clinical trials are an important part of cancer care. Clinical trials show us whether new treatments work better than existing treatments. That’s important for future patients. But clinical trials are also important for current patients, because they offer the possibility of early access to new therapies or protocols that could become the standard-of-care in the future.

We offer a variety of gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials, including trials developed by researchers here at Hollings, industry trials and trials organized by other cancer centers. Some trials focus on new therapies, while others test new ideas for supportive care or screening. Learn more about clinical trials at Hollings and see our current gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials and trials for specific types of gastrointestinal cancer:

Hollings is also a member of NRG Oncology and the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology. These cooperative groups organize multi-institution cancer clinical trials that happen across the country. Through membership in these groups, Hollings is able to offer a wider range of clinical trials.

Ask your doctor if there is a clinical trial that fits your needs.

Our team works in close collaboration with the MUSC Health Digestive Disease Center, rated highly for many years for the treatment of these disorders.

Dr. Katie Schmitt guides a patient doing a physical therapy exercise with a metal bar

Support from start to finish

We pride ourselves on our holistic approach to cancer care. We offer you many resources to help you throughout your cancer journey, including financial counseling, physical therapy, nutrition services, and support groups.

Patient Resources

Gastrointestinal Cancer Care Locations

MUSC Hollings Cancer Center Downtown

86 Jonathan Lucas Street

Charleston, SC 29425

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Hematology Oncology Florence

Florence Medical Center

Medical Mall A

805 Pamplico Highway

Suite: 315

Florence, SC 29505

Scheduling: 843-792-9300

Oncology Infusion Clinic Kershaw

1315 Roberts Street

Camden, South Carolina 29020

MUSC Holling Cancer Center Orangeburg

1161 Cook Road

Orangeburg, SC 29118

MUSC Hollings Cancer Ctr - N. Charleston

2575 Elms Center Road

Suite: Suite 100

North Charleston, SC 29406

Main: 843-792-9300

Latest gastrointestinal cancer news