SUMMARY
The research of James W. Jakub, M.D., focuses on oncologic surgery, with an emphasis on breast cancer and melanoma. His research in this area is broad, reflecting the breadth of his clinical practice.
Dr. Jakub's major academic interest is sentinel lymph node biology. He is exploring ways the tumor and immune system interact, hoping to intercede and restore the regional immune response. Sentinel lymph node surgery has significantly advanced how patients are treated for many types of malignancies. Expanding on this work, he is exploring ways to make lymph node surgery less invasive. Minimally invasive (laparoscopic) groin dissections are a relatively new procedure, and Dr. Jakub and his team are leaders in this field. He is currently the principal investigator for a multi-institutional trial evaluating this technique.
Focus areas
- Sentinel lymph node biology. Dr. Jakub is interested in gaining a better understanding of how the tumor and immune system interact early in the disease process.
- Minimally invasive groin dissection. Recognized as a leader in this area, Dr. Jakub is one of the highest volume surgeons for this new procedure.
- Breast cancer. As head of the surgical section of breast and melanoma surgery, Dr. Jakub most frequently manages breast disease. He is actively involved in this field on a clinical, academic and research basis. His multidisciplinary team has extensive experience with all stages of this disease.
- Melanoma. Dr. Jakub is highly experienced with melanoma and is one of the few surgeons in the country offering hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion. He works with a multidisciplinary team to treat all stages, including management of in-transit disease.
- Merkel cell carcinoma. Using his extensive clinical experience, Dr. Jakub is working to develop evidence-based guidelines for this rare disease.
Significance to patient care
The goal of Dr. Jakub's research is to offer surgical intervention with an improved quality of life without compromising the goal of a cancer cure. His aim is to identify the best evidence for delivering the safest patient care along every step of the surgical experience.