Multidisciplinary GI Oncology Research Group

Dr. Charles D. Lopez, a professor of medicine at OHSU, and Jeff Donovan, a physician assistant, talk with a patient in a medical exam room. 
Charles D. Lopez, M.D., Ph.D. (left), professor of medicine at OHSU, and Jeff Donovan, PA-C, talk with a patient.

Improving lives for patients with intestinal carcinomas

Our coordinated team of clinicians and scientists is dedicated to helping patients with intestinal cancers. We integrate clinical and basic research to translate new discoveries and novel therapeutic strategies into treatments for these patients.  

Our group develops research strategies for primary and metastatic cancers along the gastrointestinal tract. We are especially focused on identifying biomarkers that: 

  • Inform patient care
  • Are linked with disease prognosis
  • Help optimize patient treatment
  • Predict and ultimately prevent disease recurrence

We also focus on early detection of recurrent disease. Our collaborative structure enhances the relationships between the surgeon, oncologist, clinician and basic researcher to meet this goal.

Translating research into patient care

Our multidisciplinary group offers members opportunities to share research interests, develop collaborative efforts and ask compelling research questions. The group’s structure improves how we translate basic and clinical research into clinical trials and patient care. Collaborative engagement informs our research projects at their conception. 

Foundations, professional societies and government agencies fund our projects. Our group acts as a platform for larger collaborative research applications and program project grants. We also coordinate with the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute development team to pursue avenues for philanthropic support. 

Research group faculty

Colorectal surgery

Surgical oncology

    • Appointments and titles

      • Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine
    • Areas of interest

      • Early Detection of cancer recurrence
      • Liver-directed therapies for metastatic and primary liver cancers
      • Early phase clinical trial development in hepatopancreatobiliary oncology
      • Surgical management of giant retroperitoneal sarcoma
      • Risk factors for developing intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
      • Cancer immunology
    • Appointments and titles

      • Professor of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, School of Medicine

Medical oncology

Cell, developmental and cancer biology

    • Appointments and titles

      • Associate Professor of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine
    • Areas of interest

      • MicroRNA, Cancer, Tumor Microenvironment, Cell Engineering
    • Appointments and titles

      • Professor of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine

Radiation medicine: Computational chemical genomics in precision cancer medicine

William H. Bisson, Ph.D., Assistant Professor and Senior Researcher, College of Agricultural Sciences, Oregon State University

Questions? 

Email us at surgdept@ohsu.edu.

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