George A. Fisher Jr. MD

George Fisher, MD conducts clinical research on a variety of gastrointestinal cancers and provide care for patients with those cancers. We have trials of combined modality therapy on gastric, esophageal, pancreas and rectal cancers. We also perform phase I and II trials of biologically targeted agents as well as newer immunotherapeutics. In collaboration with a number of colleagues, we conduct translational studies analyzing novel imaging (e.g. contrast-enhanced ultrasound and perfusion scans) and molecular biomarkers. Neuroendocrine tumors, pancreas, colorectal and gastro-esophageal cancers have been areas of particular research focus with multiple therapeutic and translational studies devoted to each.

Examples of recently completed trials include a randomized phase III trial of a vaccine (algenpantucel) for resected pancreas cancer, a phase Ib trial of anti-PD-L1, and separate phase II trials using chemotherapy with angiogenesis inhibitors for advanced neuroendocrine tumors and gastro-esophageal adenocarcinomas. Currently, active areas of study include combining immunomodulating antibodies against checkpoint inhibitors and a trial of an antibody to interleukin 1 for colorectal cancer. Participation and leadership in NCI cooperative group protocols give our patients access to randomized trials that hope to establish new standards of care for a variety of GI cancers.