Peritoneal Cancer
Look to UC San Diego Health for expert peritoneal cancer care.
Our surgical oncology team is internationally recognized for its expertise in treating this rare but serious type of abdominal cancer.
Nationally Ranked Cancer Care
UC San Diego Health is ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cancer care and gastroenterology by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers. In addition, our specialists care for more patients with peritoneal and other gastrointestinal cancers than any other San Diego health care system.
What Is Peritoneal Cancer?
Peritoneal surface malignancies are cancers that develop on the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. They often develop when tumors spread from the appendix, rectum, colon, stomach, ovaries or other organs.
Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment for Peritoneal Cancer
The first-line treatment for peritoneal cancer is surgery to remove tumors followed by heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC). Your UC San Diego Health team is one of the most experienced in the world at this procedure. We perform more HIPEC procedures than any medical center in the western United States with high success rates for our patients.
If you are not a candidate for HIPEC, your doctor may recommend:
- Immunotherapy, the use of drugs to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer
- Personalized cancer therapy, treatments tailored to abnormal genes in your particular tumor
- Rare tumors clinic, a Moores Cancer Center team that specializes in rare cancers.
Cancer Surgeons A team approach to your care
At UC San Diego Health, your cancer care is led by a multidisciplinary team of doctors who specialize in your type of cancer. Highly specialized multidisciplinary care is a hallmark of top-tier academic medical centers such as UC San Diego Health. For patients like you, it means you receive the highest level of care. Find a surgical oncologist.
Clinical Trials
Advancing Cancer Care and Prevention
UC San Diego Health physicians are actively researching ways to improve cancer care. By joining a clinical trial, you may receive a new cancer treatment before it is available to the public. If your cancer has not responded to standard therapies, talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial could be right for you.
Patient & Family Support Services
At UC San Diego Health, your care goes beyond treating disease. It also includes supporting you and your loved ones emotionally throughout your cancer journey. Most of our support services are free.
Location
Cancer Care When You Need It
The same-day cancer care clinic at UC San Diego Health provides fast, expert treatment for urgent cancer-related symptoms, improving patient care and quality of life.
Beating B-Cell Lymphoma
Katie Kinninger, UC San Diego retiree and cancer survivor, overcame B-cell lymphoma with CAR T-cell therapy, a type of immunotherapy. Now, she surfs, bikes and embraces life fully.
A Strike Against Pancreatic Cancer
Former MLB pitcher Danny Boitano faced his toughest opponent — pancreatic cancer. With resilience, top care at UC San Diego Health and faith, he is beating the odds.