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Specialist oncology care
After diagnosis, oesophago-gastric cancer patients come to The Exeter Oncology Centre at the RD&E to 
discuss their scan results and plan their treatment.
Patients may need a course of chemotherapy, usually for six to nine weeks, before surgery to shrink the cancer and improve the prospect of curative surgery. They may also come back for follow up treatment after their operation, in the RD&E Chemotherapy Day Unit, Cherrybrook Ward, to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.
Palliative chemotherapy or radiotherapy can be used for inoperablecancer to reduce the symptoms and slow down the progress of the disease.
Dr Liz Toy, Consultant Upper GI Oncologist, pictured left, said: "We want our patients to keep well for as long as we can and the focus of our efforts and care is on the quality of their life. We run extensive trials in new and promising techniques and therapies, which are constantly pushing back the boundaries of what we can offer our patients."
Specialist Ward
Our patients have direct access to Yeo, our 21-bed dedicated oncology ward, and a 24 hour support line if they have any out of hour concerns or their health deteriorates. Accommodation is available nearby for patients and their relatives who do not want to travel distances throughout the radiotherapy treatment.
Research & education
The Exeter Oncology Centre has an enthusiastic well-established team who consistently run active clinical trials. We also have links with Phase 1 trial units for patients who wish to pursue experimental therapies in advanced disease.
The team is committed to medical education. For example all fourth year medical students complete a week-long module where they follow the patient’s journey to understand not only scientific and biological basis of the disease but also the holistic approach to patient care and treatment. Small workshops are hosted by leading clinicians and the support team to teach undergraduate and postgraduate medical students effective communication skills, particularly the ‘breaking of bad news'.
Lead Cancer Nurse Tina Grose said: Our links with FORCE and the Oesophageal Patients’ Association, through the Upper GI Cancer Nurse specialist team, has proven to be invaluable for patients and for staff . One of the strengths of our service is this exchange of understanding and experience. Patient feedback through the cancer patient support groups has influenced how we look after our patients and their families.