Gastrointestinal Clinic

Patients with newly diagnosed gastrointestinal cancer face multiple diagnostic appointments occurring over a period of several weeks, without the benefit of actually consulting with all the necessary expert physicians. We find this unacceptable. We instituted our Multidisciplinary Gastrointestinal (GI) Clinic to ensure that our patients receive a timely diagnosis and a thorough evaluation by all relevant specialists. Participating physicians include cancer surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, interventional radiologists, pathologists, and gastroenterologists. Weekly conferences allow for timely decision making and rapid initiation of treatment.

The Process
When patients are referred to our GI Clinic they are assigned an oncologic nurse who coordinates their care and makes certain that they are promptly seen by all appropriate multidisciplinary specialists. This expert multidisciplinary team includes surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists who hold tumor boards to review complicated cases and make personalized treatment recommendations.

Our Specialists
We've recruited physicians from all over North America to be a part of our well-rounded team: experts in gastroenterology, who specialize in endoscopic ultrasound; surgical oncologists who specialize in the treatment of patients with pancreatic, esophageal, bile duct and liver tumors; and radiation oncologists equipped with the latest advances in technology, including TomoTherapy and interventional radiologists offering a full line of minimally invasive local/regional therapies, including Therasphere^® radioembolization.

Collaborative Care
Cancer patients and their families deserve quality care and services as they fight their disease. That is why the Mercy Health Lacks Cancer Center offers patient navigation services. The nurse navigator can provide individualized support, care coordination, empowerment and advocacy to ensure patients' needs are met.

We also understand that the journey for our cancer patients includes not only the physical aspects of cancer care but emotional and spiritual issues as well. So each multidisciplinary team also includes a personal cancer resource specialist (CRS) to help guide patients through their care. All of our CRSs are Masters-level social workers with an expertise in cancer care. These care givers are available for the sole purpose of assisting patients with the emotional and practical aspects of treatment.

Diseases Treated

Colon & Rectal Cancer

Liver Cancer
     - Colorectal Cancer Metastases
     - Primary Liver Cancer
     - Liver Masses/Liver Cysts

Gastric Cancer

Esophageal Cancer

Bile Duct Cancer

Gall Bladder Cancer

Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST)

Pancreatic Cancer
      - Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
      - Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor

Clinical Trials
We're bringing the most promising gastrointestinal cancer clinical trials right here to Grand Rapids. Click here to search current clinical trials.

To become part of the Multidisciplinary GI Clinic have your primary care physician make a referral, or self-refer by calling 1-877-LACKS-MI or 616-685-LACK(S).