At the Abramson Cancer Center, we take a team-based approach to esophageal cancer treatment. Our gastrointestinal (GI) cancer specialists regularly share ideas and insights to improve your care. We customize your treatment plan based on your diagnosis and life goals.
Esophageal Cancer Treatment: The Penn Medicine Advantage
At Penn, your esophageal cancer care team may consist of a gastroenterologist, medical and radiation oncologists, and multiple surgeons. Each specialist offers unique skills and expert knowledge. They are all committed to curing cancer and improving your life.
You can also expect:
- Surgical precision: As an ultra-high-volume center for esophageal cancer surgeries, Penn’s elite surgeons offer an extraordinary level of expertise and safety. We have decades of experience successfully treating advanced esophageal cancers other centers consider inoperable.
- Advanced diagnostic tools: Early detection screening methods and specialized diagnostic procedures help us diagnose esophageal tumors as early as possible. We pursue novel improvements to cancer detection through our robust GI Cancer Research Program.
- Streamlined access to your care team: GI nurse navigators help coordinate your appointments, so you get the care you need in less time. Our doctors’ in-depth collaboration advances your care at a timely pace. An easy-to-use patient portal means our doctors are reachable when you have a question.
- Expanded treatment options: Your personalized treatment plan may include intricate esophageal cancer surgeries or promising medicines only available through select cancer clinical trials. Participating in a clinical trial may give you more treatment choices or the chance to try new cancer drugs. Find out about GI cancer clinical trials.
- Support every step of the way: Our GI oncology nurse and patient navigators explain your diagnosis and help you prepare for the next steps in your care journey. A dedicated nutritionist checks in often, concentrating on your eating and nutrition. Learn more about our vast GI cancer support services.
- Cancer expertise, conveniently: Our broad network of Abramson Cancer Center locations helps more families access Penn’s high-quality cancer services without the headaches of extensive travel.
Esophageal Cancer Treatment Options
We consider all of your test results and your input before creating a treatment plan. You may need one or a combination of therapies.
Esophageal cancer treatment options include:
Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Doctors often recommend surgery to treat esophageal cancer. Our fellowship-trained surgeons offer special expertise in less-invasive esophagectomies (removal of part of the esophagus). Smaller incisions may lead to a faster, less painful recovery. We always choose the surgical methods that best fit your circumstances, preserving healthy tissues whenever possible.
Learn more about surgery for esophageal cancer.
Medical Oncology
Taking one or more systemic medications before or after surgery may offer treatment benefits. Most cancer drugs are infusions administered through an IV or oral medications.
Medical oncology treatments include:
Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapies direct high-intensity energy beams at cancer cells to shrink them or stop them from growing and spreading. Penn offers an impressive array of the latest therapies, including proton therapy. Our radiation oncologists are national experts at treating esophageal tumors safely and effectively. Read more about radiation oncology at Penn.
Esophageal Cancer Clinical Trials
Participating in a clinical trial may allow you to try new therapies still in development, such as a new medication. Some clinical trials focus on new strategies for managing treatment side effects or improving quality of life after treatment ends. Find out about GI cancer clinical trials.
Supportive Care
Esophageal cancer or treatment may lead to physical or emotional challenges, such as difficulty eating. Specially trained rehabilitation therapists, dietitians and counselors focus on reducing your symptoms while improving your quality of life. Learn more about GI cancer support services and join the Esophagectomy Support Group.
Request an Appointment
Our oncology nurse navigator team can guide you to the right esophageal cancer expert for your needs. Call 215-615-0534 to speak with a knowledgeable esophageal cancer nurse navigator or request an appointment online.