Huntsman Cancer Institute is utilizing advanced technology and clinical research to transform gastrointestinal cancer treatment and surgical precision. Through the use of robotic systems and novel drug therapies, the institute aims to improve patient recovery and access to specialized care.
The institute is leading in robotic cancer surgery using single-port, Ion robotic bronchoscopy and da Vinci 5 systems. These technologies are designed to enhance precision, access, and recovery while providing training for surgeons nationwide in advanced techniques.
Recent clinical developments include the treatment of the first three patients in an early-stage clinical trial for a new radiopharmaceutical medicine. This first-in-human trial represents a significant step in the development of new cancer therapies.
Research efforts are also exploring how lifestyle factors influence disease. Studies have indicated that regular exercise may change how colon cancer behaves at a molecular level by altering genes in tumors and fat tissue.
In the field of surgical oncology, T. Clark Gamblin has been named the inaugural Chief of Surgical Oncology. Additionally, medical leaders are working to expand access through the IMPACT Center, which utilizes AI, mobile clinics, and telehealth to reach underserved communities.
Other advancements being monitored include the use of theranostics, a form of targeted radiation designed to seek and destroy cancer cells, and the development of more complex, safer operations such as liver surgery.
The institute continues to focus on diverse aspects of cancer care, from addressing the increasing prevalence of early-onset colorectal cancer in young people to investigating the connection between alcohol use and cancer risk.
