Book excerpt: The therapeutic landscape in oncology has undergone momentous changes in recent years. The treatment options for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers, in particular, have increased with the introduction of novel pharmacological and other treatment modalities. Researchers have gleaned important insights into the molecular biology, pathophysiology and key features of the most prevalent GI cancers, including colorectal, pancreatic and liver. While these advances have resulted in improvements for many GI cancer patients, the emerging complexities and challenges have necessitated the revision of major U.S. and international staging, diagnosis, and treatment guidelines for GI cancers. Part of the Oxford American Mini-Handbook series, this concise yet comprehensive volume provides oncologists and other healthcare professionals with essential, evidence-based guidance on the diagnosis and treatment of all major GI malignancies, including colorectal, pancreatic, liver and esophageal cancers. SERIES OVERVIEW The Oxford American Mini-Handbooks are a series of concisely-formatted adaptations of Oxford American Handbooks. They provide a focused and succinct summary on a specific area of a particular discipline, serving as a portable, easily accessible resource at the point of care. These smaller volumes capture the essentials of assessment and treatment in an exceptionally affordable and more clinically relevant format. Featuring useful tables and bulleted lists, these books provide a readily available resource to specialists and general practitioners alike.