Dr. Elena Élez Fernández is a medical oncologist associated with Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology in Barcelona, Spain. Her professional work focuses on gastrointestinal cancers, including colorectal and other digestive system malignancies.

As an attending physician in the Gastrointestinal Tumors Service and a principal investigator in VHIO’s gastrointestinal and endocrine tumor research group, she combines specialist clinical oncology with research into cancer biology and treatment.

Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital

Gastrointestinal Oncology

Gastrointestinal oncology covers cancers affecting organs of the digestive system, including the colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, and liver. Each cancer type has different diagnostic requirements and treatment pathways.

The assessment of a patient may involve imaging, endoscopy, tissue biopsy, histopathology, and molecular testing. These investigations help establish the cancer type, stage, and biological characteristics.

Treatment plans are developed according to the individual diagnosis and may include chemotherapy, targeted therapies, immunotherapy in eligible cases, surgery, or combinations of these treatments.

Colorectal Cancer Care

Colorectal cancer is a major area within gastrointestinal oncology. Treatment decisions depend on whether the tumor is localized, locally advanced, or metastatic, as well as on its molecular characteristics and the patient's general health.

Medical oncology may be involved before surgery to reduce or control a tumor, after surgery to reduce recurrence risk, or in advanced disease to manage cancer growth and symptoms.

Multidisciplinary collaboration is important because colorectal cancer care may involve colorectal surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, and medical oncologists.

Research and Personalized Treatment

Dr. Élez’s research affiliation with VHIO connects her work to studies investigating gastrointestinal tumors and endocrine-related tumors. Research in this field examines how tumor biology, molecular changes, and treatment response can contribute to more individualized cancer management.

Depending on the diagnosis and eligibility criteria, patients may discuss established treatment options and potential clinical research opportunities with their medical team. Participation in a clinical trial is subject to protocol requirements and availability.

International Patient Services

International patients seeking gastrointestinal cancer evaluation should provide pathology reports, colonoscopy or endoscopy results, CT or MRI scans, molecular test results, and a summary of previous treatment.

These records support an informed review of the diagnosis and help the specialist determine whether further testing or a multidisciplinary consultation is appropriate.

Patients should obtain individualized medical advice before making treatment decisions or traveling for care.