Gastroinestinal Cancer Program Ongoing Research

Mayo Clinic Cancer Center is a leading institution in gastrointestinal cancer research. Scientists and clinicians work together to ensure that the newest and most effective medical treatments and diagnostic methods are available to our patients. Mayo Clinic is a fertile training ground for new medical professionals, and incorporates the spirit of learning throughout the research and practice arena, pursuing cutting-edge research into new diagnostic or therapeutic options, prevention efforts and ways to improve quality of life. Through better understanding of the nature of cancer, researchers in medical and radiation oncology, medical genetics, pathology, surgery and many other specialties work together to give individuals with cancers throughout the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system the widest possible range of treatment options.

Mayo scientists conduct laboratory-based research, studying cancer cells and the biological mechanisms within those cells to better understand the origin and growth of cancer. Other researchers engage in population science or epidemiology research, examining large groups of individuals to find patterns of risk for specific cancers.

Clinical trials, or clinical research studies, test the most promising discoveries to determine the benefits for patients and compare new treatments to today's standard of care. Many are the result of translational research, which involves researchers and clinicians determining how laboratory results may be applied to benefit patients diagnostically and therapeutically.

At Mayo Clinic Cancer Center we participate in the full spectrum of research, and apply this information to find answers for each individual patient.

The Gastrointestinal Cancer Program's site-specific research areas are as follows:

• Cancer Control and Gastrointestinal Cancer
• Colorectal Cancer Research
• Esophageal Cancer Research
• Hepatobiliary (Liver and Bile Ducts) Cancer
• Neuroendocrine Cancer Research
• Pancreatic Cancer Research

GI Program investigators also conduct research in rarer diseases such as anal, gastric, and small bowel cancers. Over the years various articles have been published on these and other topics. For more information on individual investigators' work, please view their research profiles.