SUMMARY
The primary research interests of Douglas O. Faigel, M.D., are in advanced endoscopy, including endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); pancreatic and biliary diseases; esophageal cancer; and quality measurement and improvement in endoscopy.
Dr. Faigel is particularly interested in endoscopic oncology and understanding how gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy can be used to manage patients with cancer. This includes diagnosis, staging and treatment with either curative or palliative intent.
Focus areas
Recent research projects have included:
- EUS-guided portal injection chemotherapy for the treatment of liver metastases
- Development of QSOX1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancers of the pancreas, breast and urogenital tract
- Investigating the impact of EUS on GI cancer management and outcome
- Developing new quality measures for colonoscopy and endoscopy
- Analyzing new tumor markers for pancreatic cancers and mucinous lesions
- Developing new EUS-guided and endoscopic treatments for pancreatic cystic neoplasms and GI stromal tumors
- Developing models for endoscopic treatment of cancers, including endoscopic injection of chemotherapeutics
- Development of novel edible electronic devices for monitoring health and disease
Significance to patient care
Dr. Faigel's research focuses on using flexible endoscopy as a minimally invasive tool for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. Early diagnosis of cancer, for example, will allow more patients to be cured.
Flexible endoscopes also give doctors access to cancers and pre-malignant lesions, such as polyps and pancreas cysts. Treatment delivered through endoscopes could replace more formal surgical resections with fewer complications and at a lower cost.
Dr. Faigel has also been a pioneer in the field of quality assurance and improvement in endoscopy, ensuring that patients receive only the highest quality of care.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 2014-present
- Co-Director, World Endoscopy Organization Program for Endoscopic Teachers, 2012-present
- President, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2015-2016
- Quality in Endoscopic Research Award, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2010
- Chair, Quality in Endoscopy Taskforce, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 2006-2009
- Co-chair, Digestive Workgroup on Credentialing and Quality Assurance, World Endoscopy Organization, 2008-2009
- Associate editor, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, 1999-2005