August 16, 2012
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The section of gastrointestinal oncology at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) continues to expand with the appointment of Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab (43206) as its section chief.
In his new role, Bekaii-Saab will oversee the clinical and research operations for the gastrointestinal oncology program. He also will be responsible for recruiting additional physicians who specialize in treating patients with liver, pancreas, gastro-esophageal and colorectal cancers.
"Under Tony's leadership, the section of gastrointestinal oncology will continue to grow, allowing the OSUCCC – James to provide more specialized care for our cancer patients while also expanding opportunities for collaborative clinical and translational research," said Dr. Michael Caligiuri, director of OSUCCC and CEO of The James.
Bekaii-Saab is a physician-researcher who specializes in treating patients with gastrointestinal malignancies including pancreatic, liver and colon cancers. An associate professor in Ohio State's College of Medicine, he also has served as the chairman for the gastrointestinal cancer disease specific research group at OSUCCC-James since 2003.
Gastrointestinal cancers account for about 20 percent of all cancers, and about 25 percent of all cancer deaths, Bekaii-Saab said.
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute strives to create a cancer-free world by integrating scientific research with excellence in education and patient-centered care, a strategy that leads to better methods of prevention, detection and treatment. Ohio State is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers and one of only seven centers funded by the NCI to conduct both phase I and phase II clinical trials. The NCI recently rated Ohio State's cancer program as "exceptional," the highest rating given by NCI survey teams. As the cancer program's 210-bed adult patient-care component, The James is a "Top Hospital" as named by the Leapfrog Group and one of the top cancer hospitals in the nation as ranked by U.S. News & World Report.
# # #
Click here for a high-quality photograph of Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab.
Contact: Eileen Scahill, Wexner Medical Center Public Affairs and Media Relations, 614-293-3737, or Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu