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Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research

The Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology has traditionally had a wide range of active ongoing research on gastrointestinal and hepatic conditions and disorders. This research includes basic science research, translational research, clinical research studies and clinical trials. With a focus in the areas of hepatitis A, B and C, cancer treatment and prevention, inflammatory bowel disease diagnosis and treatment, advanced endoscopic procedures, pancreatic lesions, and HIV, as well as other gastrointestinal diseases and ailments, research is a core component of the mission of the Division. Numerous studies and clinical trials are underway to study prevention and treatment of these disorders. In addition, the Division is actively involved with the Columbia-Cornell Liver Clinical Trials Network, participating on investigator-initiated trials on antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

The Division has had a long history of clinical research in the causes, prevention and treatment of patients with hepatitis and is recognized as one of the leaders in the field. The Division, together with Rockefeller University and New York Presbyterian Hospital, established The Center for the Study of Hepatitis C in 1999 and is the only comprehensive, multi-disciplinary center dedicated to the study of hepatitis C and hepatic disease in the tri-state area. In addition, the Division maintains a research laboratory for the collection and maintenance of tissue samples which are for basic science and clinical research.

The Roberts Inflammatory Disease Center is committed to the research of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a condition that most often results from two specific diseases; ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Research activities range from understanding the cause of these diseases, as well as performing clinical trials geared to identifying the best ways to treat the diseases.

Division investigators have a special interest in the causes and prevention of colorectal cancer.

Research projects include:

• identification and assessment of risk factors for colorectal cancer;

• studies to asses if some patients with an hereditary susceptibility to colorectal cancer might be able to reduce their risk by taking statins (drugs routinely prescribed to lower cholesterol, which may also have anticancer properties);

• laboratory studies in the connection between chronic inflammation and cancer with an emphasis on prostaglandin biology; and

• studies of how altered cellular metabolism may predispose to colon cancer.

Research performed by the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health is broadly focused on all a multidisciplinary approach to GI cancers. Translational and clinical research includes clinicians and scientist with areas of specialization in genetics, gastroenterology and surgery.