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Clinical Treatment and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Cancer

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Research of Cancer".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2026 | Viewed by 368

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
Interests: pancreatic cancer; biliary tract cancer; disease modeling; cost effectiveness

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The landscape of treatment for gastrointestinal oncology has evolved over the last decade to take advantage of novel therapeutics, evolving molecular targets, and changes in the delivery of care. We are seeking papers that highlight these changes and where GI cancer care is going next.

Molecular targets are expanding the potential therapeutic landscape for both luminal and extraluminal GI cancers. As Claudin 18.2, FGFR, and HER-2 become the standard of care, the next wave of potential targets is under investigation. Existing pathways such as Wnt, KRAS, and TGFb are being targeted in new ways, and novel approaches to epigenetic modifications (ARID1A, EZH2) are being developed. Although immunotherapy approaches have led to substantial gains for some GI malignancies, others have proved recalcitrant and we are now turning to dual therapy with cytotoxic therapy, joint IO therapy, and cellular therapy to attempt to broaden the reach of these paradigms.

From a care delivery standpoint, GI oncology has some very real constraints. The length and toxicity of some regimens, the logistical burden of continuous infusion 5FU that is the backbone of many cytotoxic regimens, and the challenges of daily chemoradiotherapy all burden our patients with high-intensity, high-cost, high-toxicity treatments. Novel approaches to care delivery, appropriate patient selection including pharmacogenetic information, and evaluation of functional, financial, and time toxicity are all necessary additions to practice.

In this Special Issue, we seek to explore the clinical landscape of gastrointestinal malignancy, including screening, diagnosis, and treatment of this diverse group of cancers. We have particular interest in rare tumor types (neuroendocrine tumors, GIST, biliary tract, ampullary, gallbladder, appendiceal). We are also interested in highlighting patient-focused research, from screening to financial toxicity.

Dr. Mary Linton Peters
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • gastrointestinal cancer
  • ctDNA
  • chemotherapy
  • immunotherapy
  • financial toxicity
  • clinical trial participation

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

17 pages, 256 KB  
Article
Experiences and Hopes Among Patients with Colorectal Carcinoma and Peritoneal Metastases Who Are Participating in an Early-Phase Clinical Trial
by Lena Fauske, Øyvind S. Bruland, Anne Holtermann and Stein G. Larsen
Cancers 2026, 18(2), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers18020244 - 13 Jan 2026
Viewed by 197
Abstract
Background: Radspherin® is a novel α-emitting radiopharmaceutical administered intraperitoneally following complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases. It delivers short-range radiation aimed at eliminating residual microscopic disease. This qualitative study explored how participants with colorectal cancer experienced participating [...] Read more.
Background: Radspherin® is a novel α-emitting radiopharmaceutical administered intraperitoneally following complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS-HIPEC) for peritoneal metastases. It delivers short-range radiation aimed at eliminating residual microscopic disease. This qualitative study explored how participants with colorectal cancer experienced participating in an early-phase clinical trial involving CRS-HIPEC followed by Radspherin®. Materials and Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten participants enrolled in a phase 1/2a trial involving CRS-HIPEC and intraperitoneal Radspherin®. The analysis was guided by a phenomenological and interpretive approach using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants expressed a strong sense of motivation and hope tied specifically to receiving Radspherin®, which they perceived as an opportunity to improve their prognosis. Many also viewed participation as a contribution to future cancer research. None attributed complications or side effects to Radspherin®. Clear and supportive verbal communication from healthcare professionals was highly valued, while the written information was described as overwhelming. Despite fears of recurrence, most participants remained optimistic about regaining a meaningful life. While experiences with Radspherin® were largely positive, participants also described pain, fatigue, and prolonged recovery related to CRS-HIPEC, including ongoing functional and psychosocial challenges. Conclusions: Participants associated Radspherin® with hope and a therapeutic benefit but did not link it to their adverse events. Their willingness to participate in experimental treatment was shaped by trust in clinicians, clear communication, and a desire for extended survival. However, the burden of CRS-HIPEC-related side effects underscores the importance of tailored follow-up and support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical Treatment and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Cancer)
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