Steven  M.  Powell Degree(s): MD Graduate School: Indiana University Primary Appointment: Associate Professor, Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Interests: Colorectal cancer risk assessment and molecular tumorigenesis of gastric cancer. Email Address: smp8n@virginia.edu

Research Description

Gastrointestinal cancers generate one of the largest health burdens on society. Thus, advancing our current diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic armamentarium to combat these lethal cancers are a primary focus of our team. Recent advances in the fields of molecular genetics and biology provide new avenues we are using to increase our understanding of the development of these gastrointestinal cancers. Investigations include molecular biologic analyses focused on both familial and sporadic cases of these cancers including colorectal and gastric cancers. In defining mechanisms of gastrointestinal tumorigenesis, we analyze tumor and normal specimens at the genetic and protein levels employing established and “state of the art” molecular techniques. We also are developing new methodologies to examine normal and tumor cells to identify critical changes in these cancers and new avenues to best identify those at higher risk for colorectal cancer and relaying recommendations appropriate to those at risk.

Selected Publications