Norton Cancer Institute, the leading provider of cancer care in Louisville and Southern Indiana, offers same-day appointments for newly diagnosed esophageal cancer patients.

At Norton Cancer Institute, you’ll have access to a multidisciplinary team of specialists including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, thoracic surgeons and others to provide comprehensive care. Our physicians are board-certified and fellowship-trained leaders in their field. They’re at the forefront of developing innovative approaches to getting patients back to living their lives.

Esophageal Cancer Care Customized for You

The specialists at Norton Cancer Institute use the latest equipment and procedures to make a precise diagnosis of your cancer. Our multidisciplinary approach with multiple specialists in one setting means we offer a full range of esophageal cancer treatments.

If radiation therapy is called for, we map the exact shape and location of your tumor, then direct cancer-killing radiation at just the tumor, minimizing the impact on healthy tissue and reducing side effects. Chemotherapy and surgery are also possible treatments.

Our advanced testing options will help your specialist determine a care plan that’s tailored for you based on the stage of your cancer and your treatment goals. Your comprehensive care team of physicians and other health care providers meets regularly to review your case and plan the next steps.

In addition to our current leading-edge treatments, we offer our patients the opportunity to participate in innovative National Cancer Institute- and industry-sponsored clinical research studies. These trials help to improve current cancer treatments, in addition to finding new and promising solutions.

Esophageal Cancer Risk Factors

Esophageal cancer can develop anywhere along the tube that runs from the back of your throat to your stomach. When cancer develops in the esophagus, it usually starts in cells lining the inside of the esophagus.

Barrett’s esophagus occurs when acid irritation causes new, abnormal cells to grow in the lining of the esophagus. Barrett’s esophagus can lead to esophageal cancer in a small number of patients.

Barrett’s esophagus, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), smoking, obesity, bile reflux and alcohol consumption are among the risk factors for esophageal cancer.

Esophageal Cancer Care for the Whole Person

• Norton Cancer Institute has nine outpatient locations and multiple infusion centers in Louisville and surrounding counties and Southern Indiana. We have three radiation centers located just off major interstates, with free, self-service parking and valet parking.
• Our gastrointestinal cancer patient navigator guides you through the treatment process. The navigator is a registered nurse and advocate for patients and families who can help coordinate scheduling to minimize your visits. The navigator provides information and support throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
• The Norton Cancer Institute multidisciplinary approach to cancer care means you’ll have access to multiple specialists, including medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, interventional radiologists, interventional gastroenterologists, researchers, geneticists and dietitians.
• We pull together providers from various disciplines to help identify the best treatment for you. At Norton Cancer Institute review boards, you will be considered for innovative clinical trials, immunotherapy, minimally invasive procedures, state-of-the-art radiation and advanced diagnostics.

Why Choose Norton Cancer Institute

More patients in Louisville and Southern Indiana choose Norton Cancer Institute than any other provider in the area. We provide compassionate care for the whole person, not just the cancer.

Our Norton Cancer Institute oncologists are also researchers and principal investigators, offering patients sophisticated experience in the latest treatments and access to more than 200 clinical trials.

• Access to more than 100 specialists, including board-certified and fellowship-trained oncologists
• Multidisciplinary setting, meaning patients get the benefit of opinions from multiple specialists across Norton Healthcare and often can schedule appointments for the same day in the same location
• Immunotherapies such as CAR-T cell therapy, genetic therapies tailored to combat the unique genetic makeup of your cancer and the latest in surgical treatments, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
• New, state-of-the-art Norton Cancer Institute Genomics Lab offering highly specialized testing that will make it possible to diagnose and treat cancer more precisely and to tailor advanced treatments based on a tumor’s specific genetic composition
• Prompt Care Clinics designed especially for providing symptom relief and other care to Norton Cancer Institute patients
• MyNortonChart to communicate with your provider, manage appointments, refill prescriptions and more anytime from a mobile device or computer

Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology

Basel M Altoos, MD

Thoracic Radiation Oncology, Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology

Michael J Hahl, MD

Gastrointestinal Radiation Oncology, Breast Radiation Oncology, Radiation Oncology

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology

Elisabeth C Von Bun, MD

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology

Michael F Driscoll, MD

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology

Jaspreet S Grewal, MD

Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology

Blakely D Kute, MD

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Breast Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology

Douglas A Nelson, MD

Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, Medical Oncology