Michael F. Bassetti (MD, PhD), is a UW Health radiation
oncologist (cancer doctor). He’s also an associate professor in the Department
of Human Oncology at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public
Health. Bassetti treats patients with all types of cancer, including lung and
gastrointestinal (digestive system) cancers. These include colon, rectal,
esophageal, liver and pancreatic cancers. He has extensive experience
performing ablation therapy (a minimally invasive procedure that uses extreme
heat or cold to kill cancer cells). Committed to providing effective and
compassionate care, Bassetti takes time to listen to patients’ questions,
concerns and treatment goals. He clearly explains their condition and their
treatment options, and partners with them to create a personalized care plan. Bassetti
was drawn to UW Health because of its world-class technology. He chooses to
stay because of the extensive collaboration among specialists, which serves to
improve patient experience and outcomes. Bassetti conducts research that
focuses on cancer treatment and identifying what causes people to respond
differently to various cancer therapies.
Charles P. Heise is a Professor at the University of
Wisconsin, Carbone Cancer Center. Heise is certified by the American Board of
Colon and Rectal Surgery and by the American Board of Surgery. His specialties
include the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel
disease. Dr. Heise’s current research interests revolve around the use of
miniature cameras for visualization in laparoscopic surgery.l.
Elise H. Lawson, MD, is a UW Health colorectal surgeon and
an associate professor at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and
Public Health, Department of Surgery, Division of Colorectal Surgery. As a
fellowship-trained colon and rectal surgeon, Lawson is an expert in the
surgical treatment of colorectal cancer and conditions involving the bowel
including anal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s
disease, diverticulitis, fistulas, hemorrhoids and fissures. She performs
diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopy and uses advanced, minimally invasive
techniques. Lawson’s research focuses on measuring and improving the quality of
surgical care. She is Executive Director of the Surgical Collaborative of
Wisconsin, a state-wide surgeon-led organization that aims to optimize quality,
reduce costs, and promote delivery of care that is safe, effective, equitable,
and patient-centered. Lawson’s research investigates variation in the delivery
of colorectal cancer care, specifically addressing disparities in access,
management, and outcomes. In addition to her medical practice, Lawson serves as
director of the Surgical Collaborative of Wisconsin, a statewide organization
that works to ensure access to high quality surgical care.
Cristina B. Sanger, MD, FACS, is a UW Health colorectal
surgeon and associate professor in the Department of Surgery, Division of
Colorectal Surgery at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public
Health. She is fellowship trained and provides surgical treatment for diseases
of the colon, rectum and anus. Sanger is highly skilled in treating cancerous
and noncancerous conditions such as colon cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer,
Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis and anorectal disorders.
Whenever possible, she uses minimally invasive surgical techniques, including
laparoscopy and transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS). Sanger’s believes
open, effective communication with patients is key to excellent patient care.
She takes time to teach her patients about their conditions and treatment
options and uses shared decision-making to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Noelle K. LoConte (MD), is an Associate Professor at the
University of Wisconsin, Clinical Science Center. She is a faculty member in
the Division of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care in the
Department of Medicine. She leads outreach for the UW Carbone Cancer Center.
She is a fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and
formerly served on its Prevention and Annual Meeting Scientific Program
Committees. She is also a reviewer for over a dozen medical journals, and has
received a John A. Hartford Foundation/American Society of Clinical Oncology
Foundation Young Investigator Award and a Wisconsin Cancer Council Certificate
of Appreciation Award. LoConte is one of the few physicians practicing in the
Midwest with dual training in both medical oncology and geriatrics. Her
clinical interests are in gastrointestinal cancers, as well as cancer of any
type in the older adult. LoConte’s research interests focus on cancer
prevention and control. She is the principal investigator on a Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention-funded project that aims to increase colorectal
cancer screening in Wisconsin, and has led many clinical trials of new
chemotherapies for gastrointestinal cancers, from Phase I through Phase III
studies.
Sam J. Lubner is a faculty member in the Division of
Hematology, Medical Oncology and Palliative Care. He has worked closely with
the School of Medicine and Public Health on education of students, residents
and fellows in the practice of oncology. He directs the Hematology and Medical
Oncology fellowship program and serves on the Education Council for the
American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has received numerous awards for
clinical care including being named Ambulatory Patient Experience Physician
Champion, being selected for the Department of Medicine Clinical Excellence
Award, and being named multiple times to "Madison Magazine Top
Doctors" and "Best Doctors in America" lists. Lubner is a Fellow
of the American College of Physicans and a member of the American Society of
Clinical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research. He is an
investigator with the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group and the
Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Lubner’s clinical practice focuses on
gastrointestinal malignancies. He sees patients at the UW Carbone Cancer
Center, and the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital. Lubner's
performs clinical research in gastrointestinal malignancies. He has been the
principal investigator on trials in biliary tract cancer, neuroendocrine
tumors, colorectal cancer and hepatocellular cancer. He is the leader of the
Gastrointestinal Disease Oriented Team at the Carbone Cancer Center.
Dustin A. Deming is an Associate Professor at the University
of Wisconsin, Carbone Cancer Center. He received a BS degree from the Clinical
Lab Science, Marquette University in 2003, received a MD degree from the
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. His laboratory is
investigating kinase modulation of cellular signaling pathways driven by
oncogenic mutant proteins. To screen combinations of targeted agents in the
setting of specific genetic alterations, novel mouse models of colorectal
cancer including tumors driven by a constitutively active PI3K [Cancer
Research, 2012; PLoSOne, 2013; Oncogene, 2013]. In addition to his laboratory
research, he has also been active in early phase clinical trials. He has
developed the concepts and chaired NCI/CTEP sponsored phase his clinical trials
including AZD6244 in combination with cetuximab for KRAS mutant colorectal
cancer [ASCO Annual Meeting, 2012] and ABT-888 in combination with capecitabine
and oxaliplatin for BRCA mutant tumors and gastrointestinal cancers.
