天美传媒

Dr. Rachel Issaka is a gastroenterologist and clinical researcher focused on decreasing the mortality associated with colorectal cancer, with a special focus on medically underserved populations. Dr. Issaka’s research includes identifying, measuring and recommending new and improved approaches to screening and follow-up both in Seattle and across the U.S. The roots of Dr. Issaka’s research lie in a tale of two clinics. The first was at Northwestern University’s McGaw Medical Center, a few blocks from Chicago’s glittering “Magnificent Mile” commercial district. The second was at a federally qualified health center on the city’s South Side, several miles and another world away. Issaka worked at both clinics early in her medical career. She soon noticed a striking difference between the two. Her mostly white, middle- to upper-class patients at Northwestern faithfully followed whatever the doctor ordered. That included getting screened for colorectal cancer, the second-deadliest cancer in the U.S. But it was different on the South Side. Her mostly African-American and Latino patients there, when encouraged to schedule screening for colorectal cancer, often declined. Why? Issaka has never stopped asking why disparities exist and how to achieve health equity in colorectal cancer screening. The questions aren’t academic. Screening can prevent colorectal cancer by detecting and simultaneously removing precancerous polyps, small lesions that over time can grow and become cancerous. But despite clear evidence that screening for colorectal cancer saves lives, rates aren’t where they should be. The screening goal for the U.S. population, according to the American Cancer Society and National Colorectal Cancer Round Table, is 80 percent. The actual rate is about 63 percent across all populations, with even lower rates among racial minorities and those of lower socioeconomic status. Closing that gap, Issaka noted, could save 200,000 lives over the next 20 years. And it could lessen the socioeconomic inequalities that linger — or stubbornly grow — in cancer care and mortality. “Screening is a way to not only prevent disease but reduce racial and economic disparities,” said Issaka, who is on the faculty of the Hutch’s Clinical Research Division and the Hutchinson Institute for Cancer Outcomes Research, which is based in the Public Health Sciences Division. “We need to close that gap so that every citizen can benefit from the advances in cancer care and prevention.”

I am a gastrointestinal medical oncologist with a research focus on novel clinical trials and cancer immunotherapy. I have gained experience in translational research and clinical trial design through a Master's program in clinical and translational science. My current work involves understanding the biology of gastrointestinal cancers and designing novel clinical trials to improve patient outcomes. Besides, I am interested in studying mechanisms of immune dysfunction in obese cancer patients and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors. I have led over a dozen clinical trials as a Principal Investigator (PI) and received six grants as a PI or co-investigator. Many of my studies are investigator-initiated and grant-funded through national organizations like the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the department of defense (DOD). My work has resulted in several national/international presentations and peer-reviewed publications in high-impact journals. As a physician-scientist, my goal is to conduct innovative clinical trials using novel immunotherapy agents and take discoveries from the lab to the bedside to improve life expectancy as well as the quality of life of cancer patients. As an educator, I strive to improve the quality of oncology education and mentor the next generation of clinician investigators.

I have had the opportunity to serve the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). I have been a member of the Trainee Council Working Group, Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee, and the Professional Development Committee at ASCO. I have also served on multiple guidelines panels for ASCO. Currently, I am a guidelines panel member at the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and at the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus. 

I have been fortunate to receive many national and international awards. I have been asked to review manuscripts for reputed journals and grant applications for federal funding agencies.

For me, caring for a cancer patient is more than treating a disease; it's a healing process involving both the patient's body, mind, and caregivers. I would like to see myself as a successful clinical and translational researcher and a compassionate physician, and a thought leader in the field of gastrointestinal cancers.

Positions
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer
Assistant Professor of Oncology
Assistant Professor of Immunology
Department of Medicine
Co-Leader, GI Translational Research Group
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo
Assistant Professor
Background
Education and Training:
2010 - MD - Nilratan Sircar Medical College, West Bengal University of Health Sciences, India
2018 - MS - Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Science, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK
Residency:
2012-2015 - Saint Joseph Hospital, Chicago, IL
Fellowship:
2015-2018 - University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Board Certification:
2018 - Medical Oncology - American Board of Internal Medicine
2018 - Hematology - American Board of Internal Medicine
2015 - Internal Medicine - American Board of Internal Medicine
Professional Memberships:
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
American Association for Cancer Research
American College of Gastroenterology
North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
European Society of Medical Oncology
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Professional Experience:
2021-present - Quality Subcommittee, Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC)
2018-present - Board of Directors, Esophageal Cancer Action Network
2017-2018 - Chief fellow, Hematology-Oncology, University of Oklahoma
2017-2018 - Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee, ASCO
2016-2018 - Professional Development Committee, ASCO
Honors & Awards:
Clinical Investigator Scholarship Award, North American Neuroendocrine Tumor Society
ASCO/AACR Methods in Clinical Cancer Workshop, Vail, CO
James N. George award for the outstanding fellow in hematology-oncology, University of Oklahoma
Gold Humanism Honor Society
Conquer Cancer Foundation Merit Award, ASCO
Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society
Early Career Reviewer, Developmental Therapeutics (DT), Center for Scientific Review, National Institutes of Health
Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) Clinical Immuno-Oncology Network (SCION) Workshop participant
Young Investigator Award, ESMO World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer
Clinical Trials
Propranolol in Combination With Pembrolizumab and Standard Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Esophageal or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma
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EA2176: Phase 3 Clinical Trial of Carboplatin and Paclitaxel +/- Nivolumab in Metastatic Anal Cancer Patients
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Nous-209 Genetic Vaccine for the Treatment of Microsatellite Unstable Solid Tumors
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I specialize in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) cancers with a focus on clinical trials. Clinical trial patients can come to me at any point during their disease, but they usually come to me looking for an alternative therapy once standard treatments have not been effective. I decided to become a doctor later in my career. I originally graduated from university with a non-science degree, but the excitement of advancing medical breakthroughs inspired me to start a career in medicine. As a Duke physician, I enjoy the diverse experiences that I get to have each week. In addition to taking care of patients and conducting research, I work closely with other doctors on crafting treatment plans. I also find it fulfilling to be able to apply my research to patient care. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, jogging and skiing.
Education

Fellowship in Hematology-Oncology, MEDICINE - Duke University, School of Medicine
Residency, MEDICINE - University of Washington
M.D. 2005 - The University of Chicago