South Texas Oncology and Hematology Gastrointestinal Cancer Program offers specialized care for the diagnosis, treatment, and management of complex GI patients. Our team of board-certified physicians provides comprehensive and personalized treatment plans for patients with benign or malignant tumors.
Cancer prevention, high-risk cancer screening, oncologic surveillance protocols, and treatment algorithms have been developed at our internal tumor board and through collaboration with physician colleagues while following national guidelines.
Our team of highly experienced clinicians, nurses, and staff maintain a patient-centered focus throughout the continuum of care.
PanCAN's Patient Champions Program showcases professionals in the healthcare field that collaborate with the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Patient Services team.
South Texas Oncology and Hematology is in the top quartile for pancreatic cancer patients treated and is
designated as a Patient Champion by the
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.
The START Gastrointestinal Cancer Program offers a collaborative approach to patient care and treatment
An operation performed to remove cancer. Candidacy for surgery is based on age, medical conditions, performance status (level of functioning), and tumor stage.
At the START Center for Cancer Care, we provide comprehensive chemotherapy services tailored to each patient’s unique cancer profile. Our dedicated team of oncologists, nurses and clinical staff offer compassionate support throughout the treatment process, ensuring comfort and understanding to empower our patients in their fight against cancer.
Treatment of the tumor or surgical field with radiation beams to destroy cancer cells. The decision for radiation therapy is based on respectability status, surgical margins, and lymph node involvement.
Our Phase I clinical trials program consists of a team of world-leader researchers and support personnel with extensive experience in oncology-drug development and patient care for cancer. We are guided by the highest standards and a genuine commitment to ensuring the utmost integrity and quality. This includes an uncompromising dedication to patients’ needs and safety.
To better assist our patients, the START Center for Cancer Care provides comprehensive on-site pharmacy services. These include prior authorizations processing, patient financial assistance, medication dispensing, counseling, and if necessary, specialty medication home delivery via FedEx. Please check with the pharmacy for specific details. The START Center Pharmacists have the luxury of medical records access and a close working relationship with the START Center physicians to provide the highest level of care quickly and efficiently.
The on-site, CLIA and COLA certified, lab services offered at START offer convenience and peace of mind. Our expert technicians are held to the highest standards of quality and reliability in the lab drawing and collection processes. With locations at both the Medical Center and Sonterra we are able minimize wait times and streamline patient care..
The START Center for Cancer Care provides on-site hydration services that are available Monday through Friday during normal business hours. In addition, these services are available during weekends and holidays at the Medical Center location from 8:00 am -10:00 am. Our dedicated and knowledgeably trained staff provide proficient care aiming to minimize emergency room visits and hospital readmissions. Your physician will coordinate outpatient hydration if deemed medically necessary.
Dr. Steven Abbate
Dr. Ronald Drengler
Co-directors, Drs. Steven Abbate and Ronald Drengler, established the START Gastrointestinal Cancer Program in December 2021. Their passion for patient care and treatment of complex gastrointestinal cancers led them to develop an all encompassing approach that is data-driven with an emphasis on collaboration.
Amanda San Martin, BSN, RN, ONN-CG
RN Patient Care Coordinator
Kyle Mounger, MSN, AG-ACNP
Director of Survivorship and Nutritional Suveillance
Morgan Harris, BS
Data Aquistion Specialist
SMOKING CESSATION
NAUSEA AND VOMITTING
IMMUNOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS
WIG AND HAIR SOLUTIONS
Cancer Care Rehabilitation
Cancer Care Rehabilitation
Patient assistance through ThriveWell Cancer Foundation
Contact our New Patient Coordinator: 210-593-4028 or operator number with directions on how to get in contact w/Mandy?
If you are a current patient with access to your patient portal and you need to communicate with your doctor please click here
If you are a current patient with a medical issue, please do NOT leave a message here. Please call (210)593-5700 to be directed. If you are calling after 5pm, you will be connected to our afterhours call service for assistance.
