Advances & achievements

The work of the Exeter Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Centre has been groundbreaking and attracted national and international interest.

The bold development of this field as a specialist service in its own right by all the staff involved has achieved significant improvements in patient experience and care.

This is a fully integrated cancer unit, with a kaleidoscope of specialists working together to develop this service, to maximise benefits for their patients.

Greater awareness about this disease among local primary physicians and early referral for investigation as a result of regular educational meetings initiated by this cancer centre.
Better surveillance of ‘at risk’ individuals for earlier diagnosis.
We have the ability to know the actual state of the disease through more sophisticated diagnostic techniques including endoscopy, ultrasound, CT and PET scanning. This informs us what the most appropriate treatment should be.
Keyhole surgery means patients can recover and resume a normal quality of life much faster.
Integration of Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy (MIO) surgery in units with the clinical expertise and support has contributed to a signifi cant improvement in the quality of patient life after surgery.

Photo of RD&E endoscopy suite Publication of our experience confirms the invaluable contribution of PET scanning to the treatment of oesophago-gastric cancer
patients.

We are one of the first centres in the UK to routinely offer PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scanning where appropriate, to patients. This scan uses radiation to produce three dimensional colour images of the body. The scan process is pain free, the radiation involved is very small and patients are able to return home on the same day without side effects.

The expanded RD&E Endoscopy Unit with six consultant gastroenterologists offering rapid access to advanced diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy.

Chemotherapy before surgery is routinely offered to all suitable patients, including participation in national multi-centre trials.

For patients when surgery is not possible, we have an established unit offering radical radiotherapy.

We have close links with the FORCE Cancer Centre and we are involved with the local and national Oesophageal Patients’ Association groups, providing support and advice for patients and their relatives. Click here for more information.

Exeter Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Centre

Advances & achievements

The work of the Exeter Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Centre has been groundbreaking and attracted national and international interest.

The bold development of this field as a specialist service in its own right by all the staff involved has achieved significant improvements in patient experience and care.

This is a fully integrated cancer unit, with a kaleidoscope of specialists working together to develop this service, to maximise benefits for their patients.

Greater awareness about this disease among local primary physicians and early referral for investigation as a result of regular educational meetings initiated by this cancer centre.

Better surveillance of ‘at risk’ individuals for earlier diagnosis.

We have the ability to know the actual state of the disease through more sophisticated diagnostic techniques including endoscopy, ultrasound, CT and PET scanning. This informs us what the most appropriate treatment should be.

Keyhole surgery means patients can recover and resume a normal quality of life much faster.

Integration of Minimally Invasive Oesophagectomy (MIO) surgery in units with the clinical expertise and support has contributed to a signifi cant improvement in the quality of patient life after surgery.