Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor

Nationally recognized care for intestinal cancer in San Diego

A smiling middle-aged woman represents the full life that can be led after GIST treatment.

Nationally recognized care for intestinal cancer in San Diego

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, often referred to as GISTs, are tumors that develop in the walls of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or digestive tract. Cancerous GISTs can spread quickly and require expert, comprehensive care.


Scripps Cancer Center specialists treat these gastrointestinal cancers using the most advanced methods. Surgery is the most common treatment for GISTs, and U.S. News & World Report ranked Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla and Scripps Green Hospital among the best in the nation for gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery.


Our cancer teams personalize treatment to eliminate cancer while maintaining your quality of life. In addition, our multidisciplinary, collaborative board of cancer specialists reviews complex care plans to ensure patients receive the best possible care from diagnosis to recovery.

Treatment of gastrointestinal stromal tumors

Scripps offers advanced treatments for intestinal cancer, including minimally invasive robotic surgery and targeted therapy that directly attacks cancer cells. If you’re diagnosed with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, your Scripps cancer care team will develop a treatment plan based on where your tumor is located, whether it has spread and your overall health and lifestyle. Read more about potential treatment options in the subsections below.


Your Scripps cancer care team includes professionals from every area of oncology, including physicians, surgeons, radiation oncologists and nurses who specialize in cancer care. Learn more about how Scripps puts you at the center of care.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor treatment locations

Scripps diagnoses and treats gastrointestinal stromal tumors at numerous locations throughout San Diego County. From Chula Vista and La Jolla to Encinitas and beyond, our extensive network of Southern California cancer care centers includes:


  • Four Scripps hospitals on five campuses
  • Outpatient clinics
  • Specialty cancer treatment centers


For details on specific centers and their services, visit cancer care locations.

Support groups, services and resources

As leaders in gastrointestinal cancer care, we know what it takes to fight a winning battle. That’s why we equip our patients with the support and resources necessary to achieve their best possible outcome. From connecting you with support groups and services to empowering you with the latest resources and research, Scripps helps you along every step of your cancer journey.