Department of Medicine
Gastroenterology & Hepatology Research
Our top-rated researchers lead clinical, translational and basic research projects in the digestive tract, liver and pancreas.
Our faculty work closely with the University of Arizona Cancer Center, the only NCI-designated cancer center in the state, and have access to unparalleled resources in optical sciences and biomedical engineering.
Research Areas
Researchers specializingin Barrett’s esophagus use karyometry, or the study of tissue culture cells, to identify the presence of or predict future development of dysplasia. To push this research forward, they develop 3-D in-vivo multiphoton imaging.
To take a closer look at tumors, our researchers use receptor-targeted microbubbles for the identification of cancer at surgical margins. This project involves ligand development, micro-/nano-bubbles, multi-photon microscopy, optical coherence tomography and murine models of cancer.
Our researchers spearhead new optical instrument design and prototype development to enhance vision beyond the capability of human eyes in close collaboration with the College of Optical Sciences. Together, we are developing real-time imaging of eosinophils, direct imaging of aberrant crypts and optical devices that offer unprecedented fields of view.
Our clinical and translational researchers are making discoveries about prevention and early detection of colorectal cancer, including high throughput studies using human biospecimens to study the molecular pathology and genetic epidemiology of colorectal cancer, phase III chemoprevention studies and methods for colorectal cancer screening.
We are developing new ways to use scopes to visualize pancreatic cystic lesions, and using double-balloon enteroscopy to visualize the small intestine.
Our biorepository works with various gastrointestinal clinical trials and research studies to correlate specific genes, proteins, nucleic acids or bacterial species with gastrointestinal, pancreato-biliary and hepatology cancers and other disorders.
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are conducted through the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, as well as with our partners at the Thomas D. Boyer Liver Institute and the University of Arizona Cancer Center. Together with our patient participants, we seek new ways to treat and prevent bladder and colorectal cancer, bowel obstruction, Crohn’s disease and colitis, digestive and gastrointestinal disorders, hepatitis and other liver diseases, and pancreatic diseases.
Clinical trials often involve a research study conducted to evaluate a medical procedure or medical product, such as a drug. Not all clinical trials involve drugs or interventions. Some studies use surveys or evaluate medical records to find new and better ways to help people. Others recruit healthy subjects, or controls, to better evaluate and compare results with those of non-healthy subjects.
