At the Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, our team of experts treat a wide range of cancers of the gastrointestinal system, as well as pancreatic and liver cancers. Whether you need surgery, chemotherapy, or access to cutting-edge clinical trials, our team will be with you for every step of your journey.

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Treatments & Services

Cancer Surgery

The goal of cancer surgery is to remove the cancerous tissue and a ring of normal tissue around it. The surgery may also include removing lymph nodes from the neck. Reconstructive plastic surgery may be needed if the cancer is widespread and requires extensive tissue removal. These may include surgery to the tongue, jawbone, facial skin, pharynx, or larynx. In cases such as this, tissue from other parts of the body, like the forearm or leg, can be transplanted to give patients the best possible cosmetic and functional outcomes.

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Pancreatic Cancer Surgeries

Surgery is currently the most effective treatment for pancreatic cancer. The two types of surgery used to treat pancreatic cancer are potentially curative surgery and palliative surgery. Potentially curative surgery is performed if it appears the cancer can be removed entirely. If the cancer has spread too far to be completely removed, patients may be treated with palliative surgery. Rather than try to cure the cancer, the goals of palliative surgery are to relieve symptoms and prevent problems caused by the cancer, such as the cancer blocking the bile ducts or the intestine.

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Liver Directed Therapy

Liver directed therapy is typically used when surgery is not an option for treatment. Liver directed therapy targets cancer in the liver and is often used to treat neuroendocrine tumors that have spread to the liver.

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Our Team

Surgery Team

Teviah E Sachs, MD, MPH

Chief of Surgical Oncology

Special Interests

Surgical oncology; Liver, pancreas, and biliary cancers; Stomach cancer; Sarcoma; Melanoma

Provider headshot - surgery department

Jennifer F Tseng, MD, MPH

Surgeon-in-Chief

Special Interests

Gastric cancer; Pancreatic cancer; Pancreatitis; Hereditary cancer syndromes; Cancer prevention; Surgical risk reduction

David McAneny, MD

Chief Medical Officer; General Surgeon

Special Interests

Endocrine surgery, surgical oncology

Michael R Cassidy, MD

Surgical Oncologist

Special Interests

Breast cancer, melanoma, soft tissue sarcoma

Joanne Favuzza, DO

Colorectal Surgeon

Special Interests

Minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and sphincter-sparing surgery; Colon and rectal cancer; Ulcerative colitis; Crohn’s disease; Diverticulitis; Fecal incontinence; Anorectal conditions; Emergency general surgery

Olga Beresneva, MD

Colorectal Surgeon

Special Interests

Robotic surgery; Colorectal disorders; Colon and rectal surgery

Sam Lajoie, MD

Rebecca Headrick, MD

Medical Oncology Team

Hussein Assi, MD

Oncologist

Special Interests

Gastrointestinal malignancies, neuroendocrine tumors (NETs)

Radiation Oncology Team

Kimberley S Mak, MD, MPH

Radiation Oncologist

Special Interests

Thoracic, gastrointestinal, breast, and musculoskeletal malignancies, Cyberknife® radiosurgery, radiotherapy

Research Overview

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Program at Boston Medical Center conducts world-class clinical research and trials. Our faculty are internationally recognized for contributions to research and have been at the forefront of developing new approaches to the study and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer disorders. 

Learn more about our gastrointestinal cancer research and clinical trials.

Affiliations

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Logo

As the principal teaching affiliate of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center is devoted to training future generations of healthcare professionals.  Learn more about Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.

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