MD, PhD
Associate Professor, Gastroenterology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Cancer Prevention and Control Research Program
Area of Interest
The risk of colon cancer is 3-4 times greater in individuals with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease) affecting the colon. The reasons for this increased risk are not entirely clear, but may be due to inflammation-associated reactive oxygen species and epithelial proliferation. Therefore, the risk of colitis-associated cancer may be reduced by effectively treating the inflammatory cascade. In my clinical work, I focus on helping inflammatory bowel disease patients reduce their risk of colitis-associated cancer by suppressing the over-active inflammatory responses in the colon. I believe that this is best done using a combination of lifestyle changes and pharmacologic therapies. In a process of shared decision-making, I consider patient preferences and goals, explain the risks and benefits of therapies, and provide patients with the most up to date information about the roles of diet, lifestyle habits, and medications in inflammatory bowel diseases so that they can make the best informed decision possible. In my research program, I help lead registry trials aimed to determine optimum treatment strategies for inflammatory bowel diseases using existing therapies. I also participate as a sub-investigator in several clinical trials investigating novel therapies and procedures to reduce intestinal inflammation and detect colitis-associated cancer and its precursors.
