Penn Medicine: Experts in treating esophageal cancer
Esophageal cancer starts in the tissues of the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat to the stomach. Effective treatment requires specialized care to give you the best possible result.
Penn Medicine’s gastrointestinal (GI) specialists successfully treat a high volume of esophageal cancers compared to other centers in the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions. We gather a team of medical oncologists, surgeons, and other experts to review your case and discuss the best treatment options for your specific situation.
Esophageal cancer treatment at Penn Medicine
Our providers tailor your cancer treatment by considering several factors, including your test results and personal preferences. We strive to offer the most effective care while prioritizing your well-being. Your customized plan may involve a combination of the following treatments.
Esophageal cancer clinical trials
Many esophageal cancer patients are diagnosed at intermediate stages, where we typically use a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to treat the disease. At Penn Medicine, we’re always looking for better ways to treat cancer, which is why we run clinical trials on the chemotherapy drugs we use. For some patients, we also test their tumors for specific genetic markers, which helps us create targeted treatments that could lead to better long-term results.
Esophageal cancer support services at Penn Medicine
Cancer affects every part of your life, so our care goes beyond just medical treatment. We’re here to support you and your family through every step of the journey—from diagnosis and treatment to life after cancer.
We offer a cancer support group where esophageal cancer survivors share their stories and answer your questions. Connecting with others who have faced similar challenges can offer the reassurance and encouragement you need.
Additional support services for esophageal cancer include:
- Counseling for patients and families
- Patient education
- Nutritional counseling
- Oncology nurse navigators
- Stress management
- Palliative care and pain management
- Hospice
- Physical therapy
- Home care services
Penn Medicine offers advanced esophageal cancer treatment
Your esophageal cancer care team may consist of a gastroenterologist, medical and radiation oncologists, and multiple surgeons. Each of our specialists offers unique skills and expert knowledge. They’re all committed to curing cancer and improving your life.
When you partner with us for esophageal cancer treatment, you can expect:
- Surgical precision: As an ultra-high-volume center for esophageal cancer surgeries, our surgeons offer an extraordinary level of expertise and safety. We have decades of experience successfully treating advanced esophageal cancers other centers consider inoperable.
- Streamlined access to your care team: Oncology nurse navigators help coordinate your appointments, so you get the care you need in less time. In addition, our easy-to-use patient portal means our doctors are reachable when you have a question.
- Cancer expertise near you: Within our extensive Penn Medicine network, you can access high-quality cancer treatment at a convenient site close to home.
Rated “exceptional” by The National Cancer Institute
Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center is a world leader in cancer research, patient care, and education. Our status as a national leader in cancer care is reflected in our continuous designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) since 1973, one of 7 such centers in the United States. The ACC is also a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, one of a select few cancer centers in the U.S., that are working to promote equitable access to high-quality, advanced cancer care.