Gastrointestinal Oncology Research Program

The Gastrointestinal Oncology Center at Loyola University Health System is a key program of the Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine Oncology Institute. Clinical research physicians and basic scientists work in close collaboration to develop innovative treatments for gastrointestinal (GI) cancer patients.

“Translational research” defines the program’s philosophy. Translational research transforms cellular, genetic and molecular discoveries into actual tools for patient care. These tools may encompass disease treatment, diagnosis and prevention. In contrast to traditional research, which focuses on proving a hypothesis or treating a symptom, translational research connects the lab, clinic and community findings. With new approaches, the complex infrastructure of translational research bridges the “silos” of traditional medicine. The result is improved patient care.

Loyola's gastrointestinal oncology team works to provide promising clinical research studies for our patients. Together, our team is making progress in treating GI cancers.

Most significant is study of a vaccine treatment to fight pancreatic cancer. A patient's own immune cells are harvested and increased in the laboratory. They are then injected back into the patient to aid the immune system in fighting the cancer.

At Loyola, these bedside-to-bench-to-bedside collaborations are key for a meaningful and successful research program.