Investigator Highlight: Dr. Christopher Anderson
Published on Monday, October 17, 2022
Dr. Christopher Anderson, chair of the Department of Surgery, also leads the CCRI Interdisciplinary Hepatobiliary Cancer Care team. This team discusses and recommends treatment for patients with liver, pancreatic and bile duct cancers. The surgical/transplant focus means UMMC can offer, when appropriate, liver transplant as an option for some liver cancer patients. This team also reviews other cancers that have metastasized to the liver.
How long have you worked at UMMC and what type of research do you do?
I have worked at UMMC for 11 years and I have been in my current role for seven years. My clinical practice focuses on abdominal transplantation and hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. My research interests reflect the clinical work that I do. While I participate in research with many colleagues, my primary interests are in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its effect on both transplant organ injury and liver/bile duct cancer.
Would you describe your most recent research and/or publications?
My most recent research and resulting publications are from collaborative basic research focusing on ischemia-reperfusion injury and other liver injury mechanisms in addition to clinical outcomes of primary and metastatic liver cancers. Our group is also interested in innovative techniques for the resection and treatment of these cancers such as robotic surgical techniques and the use of intraoperative radiation for liver and pancreas cancers.
How does your recent research and/or publications relate to your overall research within cancer?
My research and publications are inspired by my clinical work. We always look for ways to advance transplant and cancer care. For me, it is individual patients that challenge me and inspire this work. The fields of transplant and oncology overlap more than most people think because liver transplant is a very effective and frequent treatment for select liver cancers. The importance of transplant is highlighted by the large growth in obesity and fatty liver disease which is a growing and leading cause of both cirrhosis and liver cancer. Finally, most advances in surgical techniques for complex resections for liver cancer come from experience with liver transplant.
What inspired your most recent research and/or publications?
I am inspired by the problems faced by the patients that I see, and I am inspired by the residents and students that surround me. Many of my publications over the years are directly related to frequent problems or complex problems in my patients. They also are frequently co-authored and contributed too by residents and students who are developing a passion for investigation.
What advice can you give medical students and/or high-school students who are interested in pursuing a career in research?
Look for opportunities and take advantage of them. Ask questions about how care can be improved. Seek mentorship from others who share similar interests. Most importantly, follow your passion and take good care of patients along the way.