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Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology

A special issue of Journal of Clinical Medicine (ISSN 2077-0383). This special issue belongs to the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatopancreatobiliary Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 October 2025) | Viewed by 16374

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Gastroenterology, City of Hope Phoenix, Goodyear, AZ 85338, USA
Interests: gastroenterology; endoscopic oncology; endoscopy; pancreatic; stomach; esophageal, colon; liver; bile duct cancer

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Guest Editor
Gastrointestinal Oncology, Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center, Banner Gateway Medical Center, 2946 East Banner Gateway Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85324, USA
Interests: gastrointestinal oncology; biliary tract cancer; colorectal cancer; esophageal cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Gastrointestinal tumors are a common and challenging group of malignancies that have a significant impact on patients' health and quality of life. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide the latest research advances, diagnostic approaches, therapeutic strategies, and management experiences to help the medical community better meet the challenges of gastrointestinal tumors.

This Special Issue covers several aspects, including but not limited to the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up management of various gastrointestinal tumor types, including gastric, colorectal, esophageal, and pancreatic cancers.

We look forward to your submissions and hope that this Special Issue will provide useful information and inspiration to our readers and contribute positively to the diagnosis, treatment, and management of gastrointestinal tumors.

Dr. Toufic A. Kachaamy
Dr. Madappa N. Kundranda
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • gastrointestinal oncology
  • endoscopic oncology
  • biliary tract cancer
  • colorectal cancer
  • esophageal cancer
  • stomach cancer

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1650 KB  
Article
A 20-Year Real-World Study of Small Bowel Cancers: Histologic Subtypes, Clinical Features, and Survival Implications
by Jirapat Wonglhow, Patrapim Sunpaweravong, Chirawadee Sathitruangsak, Arunee Dechaphunkul and Panu Wetwittayakhlang
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(19), 6962; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14196962 - 1 Oct 2025
Viewed by 742
Abstract
Background: Small-bowel cancers (SBCs) are rare, histologically diverse malignancies with limited data from Asian populations. This study aimed to describe histological subtype distribution, clinical features, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors in SBCs over a 20-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.
Background: Small-bowel cancers (SBCs) are rare, histologically diverse malignancies with limited data from Asian populations. This study aimed to describe histological subtype distribution, clinical features, survival outcomes, and prognostic factors in SBCs over a 20-year period. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with SBC at a tertiary referral center in Southern Thailand (2005–2024). Clinical, pathological, and radiological data were analyzed by histologic subtype. Results: A total of 158 patients were included: adenocarcinoma (81.0%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST, 5.7%), well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumor (NET, 5.7%), other sarcomas (5.1%), and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC, 2.5%). Adenocarcinoma predominantly affected older patients and frequently presented with advanced-stage disease and poor performance status, whereas NET and NEC occurred in younger patients typically at early NET and metastatic NEC stages. Median overall survival (OS) varied by subtype: adenocarcinoma (8.3 months), GIST (63.6 months), NEC (8.9 months), NET (not reached), and other sarcomas (9.8 months). Five-year OS rates were 14.0%, 55.6%, 0%, 88.9%, and 18.8%, respectively. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≥2, duodenal location, and metastatic disease were independently associated with worse OS. Conclusions: SBCs display distinct clinical and prognostic profiles by subtype. Overall prognosis remained poor, underscoring the need for earlier detection and subtype-specific management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
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16 pages, 629 KB  
Article
Palliative Luminal Treatment of Colorectal Cancer Using Endoscopic Calcium-Electroporation: First Case Series from United Kingdom
by Ademola Adeyeye, Olaolu Olabintan, Homira Ayubi, Hao Gao, Aman Saini, Andrew Emmanuel, Bu’Hussain Hayee and Amyn Haji
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(12), 4138; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14124138 - 11 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1440
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy, the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and the third most prevalent tumor. Around 20% of cases are metastatic or inoperable at diagnosis, often requiring palliative treatment, which may not be feasible [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the most common gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy, the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality, and the third most prevalent tumor. Around 20% of cases are metastatic or inoperable at diagnosis, often requiring palliative treatment, which may not be feasible in frail patients. Calcium-electroporation, a less invasive alternative, induces cell death via apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. This study is the first in the United Kingdom to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic calcium-electroporation in palliating distal CRC. Methods: Frail patients with inoperable left-sided CRC were included. The diagnosis and staging followed standard guidelines, while frailty was assessed using the performance status (PFS), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score. Calcium electroporation was performed via a flexible endoscopy usually under sedation, with symptom relief, quality of life (QoL), survival, and adverse events (AE) monitored. Results: Sixteen patients (median age 84.5) underwent 36 treatments with electroporation over 28 months (November 2022 to March 2025). The incidence of common symptoms was rectal bleeding (75%), constipation (25%), and pain (75%). Nine patients had metastases and three had failed conventional treatments. Symptomatic relief and an improved QoL occurred in 86.7%, with transfusion/iron infusion needs reduced by 91.7%. The median cancer-specific survival was 10 months, with a 94% survival rate. No device-related AE was recorded. One patient died after 11 months due to disease progression while two patients passed away from other medical conditions. Conclusions: Endoscopic calcium electroporation is a safe, palliative option effective for tumor reduction and symptomatic relief in frail CRC patients unfit for conventional therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
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Review

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19 pages, 489 KB  
Review
Role of Endoscopy in the Diagnosis and Management of Esophageal Cancer
by Jennifer Ma, Sharon Pan, Rachel Mortan, Faisal Shaukat Ali, Nirav Thosani and Vaibhav Wadhwa
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(22), 8169; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14228169 - 18 Nov 2025
Viewed by 559
Abstract
Esophageal cancer cases are predicted to reach 957,000 by 2040. Prior mortality rates average 6.5% in men and 2.2% in women, with a poor 5-year prognosis of 20%. A deficiency in screening guidelines, an incomplete understanding of pathophysiology, and limited treatment options contributed [...] Read more.
Esophageal cancer cases are predicted to reach 957,000 by 2040. Prior mortality rates average 6.5% in men and 2.2% in women, with a poor 5-year prognosis of 20%. A deficiency in screening guidelines, an incomplete understanding of pathophysiology, and limited treatment options contributed to this poor prognosis. Now, as technology and knowledge evolve, endoscopy serves a primary role in improving morbidity and mortality around esophageal cancer, in which early detection and treatment play a profound role. Advances in diagnostic modalities, including higher frequency ultrasound, acquisition of larger specimens, and nodal characterization, all improve esophageal cancer diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning. This is primarily due to earlier detection of precursor lesions, eradication with complete resection, and more informed surveillance. Prior management with esophagectomy has now evolved to include endoscopic submucosal dissection, mucosal resection, ablation, stent placement, fiducial markers for radiotherapy, sponge vacuum, and more. These endoluminal remedies are curative, palliative, or post-intervention solutions, thereby reducing the surgical risk, morbidity, and mortality associated with esophageal cancer. This review article details the diagnostic and therapeutic role of endoscopy in esophageal cancer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
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19 pages, 333 KB  
Review
Advances in Endoscopic Diagnosis and Management of Cholangiocarcinoma
by Usamah Chaudhary and Shawn L. Shah
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(17), 6028; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14176028 - 26 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1704
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy originating from the epithelial lining of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. Although rare globally, its mortality closely mirrors incidence due to late-stage presentation of the disease and limited curative options. While surgical resection and liver transplantation [...] Read more.
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy originating from the epithelial lining of the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. Although rare globally, its mortality closely mirrors incidence due to late-stage presentation of the disease and limited curative options. While surgical resection and liver transplantation remain the cornerstone treatments for those with resectable disease, endoscopic techniques have emerged as versatile tools for diagnosis, therapy, and palliation. In recent years, there have been major advancements in endoscopic therapies, including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), intraluminal brachytherapy (ILBT), and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The current narrative review serves to provide an overview of current and emerging endoscopic strategies for CCA, emphasizing diagnostic capabilities, therapeutic approaches, palliative interventions, and future directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
21 pages, 1314 KB  
Review
Revolutionizing Gastrointestinal Disorder Management: Cutting-Edge Advances and Future Prospects
by Chahat Suri, Babita Pande, Tarun Sahu, Lakkakula Suhasini Sahithi and Henu Kumar Verma
J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13(13), 3977; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13133977 - 8 Jul 2024
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9612
Abstract
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, transforming the landscape of patient care and outcomes. This article explores the latest breakthroughs in the field, encompassing innovative diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment approaches, and novel therapeutic interventions. Additionally, [...] Read more.
In recent years, remarkable strides have been made in the management of gastrointestinal disorders, transforming the landscape of patient care and outcomes. This article explores the latest breakthroughs in the field, encompassing innovative diagnostic techniques, personalized treatment approaches, and novel therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this article emphasizes the use of precision medicine tailored to individual genetic and microbiome profiles, and the application of artificial intelligence in disease prediction and monitoring. This review highlights the dynamic progress in managing conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastrointestinal cancers. By delving into these advancements, we offer a glimpse into the promising future of gastroenterology, where multidisciplinary collaborations and cutting-edge technologies converge to provide more effective, patient-centric solutions for individuals grappling with gastrointestinal disorders. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
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Other

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9 pages, 2158 KB  
Technical Note
A Step-By-Step Guide for Robotic Blumgart Pancreaticojejunostomy
by Siyuan Qian, Jeison Carrillo-Peña, Víctor Domínguez-Prieto, Pedro Villarejo-Campos, Montiel Jiménez-Fuertes, Pablo Pastor-Riquelme and Santos Jiménez-Galanes
J. Clin. Med. 2025, 14(13), 4471; https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm14134471 - 24 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1367
Abstract
Background: In recent years, the use of minimally invasive approaches in pancreatic surgery has progressively increased. One of the key components of pancreaticoduodenectomy is the creation of a pancreato-enteric anastomosis, due to the high risk of postoperative complications, particularly the development of postoperative [...] Read more.
Background: In recent years, the use of minimally invasive approaches in pancreatic surgery has progressively increased. One of the key components of pancreaticoduodenectomy is the creation of a pancreato-enteric anastomosis, due to the high risk of postoperative complications, particularly the development of postoperative pancreatic fistula. Among the types of anastomoses, the Blumgart technique has gained popularity due to its ease of reproducibility. Methods: In this guide, we summarize and systematize step by step how to perform a feasible, reproductible and safe robotic Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy, providing some instructions for its successful completion. Results: Despite the heterogeneity of the published data, duct-to-mucosa Blumgart anastomosis seems to be superior in terms of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula rates compared with other types of pancreato-enteric anastomosis. The advantages of robotic surgery, such as improved precision, greater control, and enhanced visualization, make robotic Blumgart anastomosis a safe, practical, and reproducible technique in the context of robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy. Conclusions: Robotic Blumgart pancreaticojejunostomy is a safe and feasible technique for pancreato-enteric anastomosis following pancreaticoduodenectomy when surgical technique is systematized step by step. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Gastrointestinal Oncology)
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