Our Pancreas Programs & Services
The Pancreas Center is made up of several highly-specialized programs designed to cover all aspects of care for people with pancreatic disease. Our core services are centered around the most prominent pancreatic conditions.
If you would like to make an appointment to see one of our specialists, you can request an appointment online or call us at (212) 305-9467.
Learn more about the Pancreas Center's Hope Ahead campaign to chart the future of pancreatic care »
Key Clinical Programs
Pancreas Cancer Care
As a patient of the our Pancreatic Cancer Care program, you will have full access to an experienced team of clinicians, oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, genetic counselors, psychiatrists, and nutritionists, all working together with you, your family, and any outside physicians you may have, to create the best possible treatment plan to meet your personalized goals of care.
Pancreatitis Care
The Pancreatitis Program at Columbia provides full-service care for those diagnosed with acute and chronic pancreatitis. From diet and nutritional support to avoid ongoing attacks to medical management to surgical interventions, the Pancreatitis Program offers a balance of all available options to treating pancreatitis and its side effects. We are one of the few programs in the country--and the only program in the New York metropolitan area--to offer autologous islet cell transplantation to prevent diabetes in people with chronic pancreatitis.
Radiation Therapy Care
The Pancreas Center at Columbia offers the latest and most effective radiation strategies for treating pancreatic cancer. Therapies like stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and adaptive radiation therapy (ART) deliver the maximum dose of radiation to the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding tissue.
To start making use of our services, call us today at (212) 305-9467 or request an appointment online.
Stories of Hope: Ryan Finlay
Ryan is a tough guy—a combat veteran and an NYPD cop. Once, on active duty, he had to have neck surgery without anesthesia. But, he says, that pain paled compared to his pancreatitis.
Program Highlights
Unmatched Surgical Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer
Columbia is a leading center for surgical innovation for pancreatic cancer care–and has been since the field began. The most common procedure for pancreatic cancer was developed by Columbia surgeon Dr. Allen Whipple; the life-saving ‘Whipple’ procedure changed the field forever. We continue to work towards tomorrow’s treatments and improving outcomes.
A Comprehensive Team of Experts
Pancreatic cancer is a complex, aggressive disease that requires a multidisciplinary approach to care. Our team of surgeons, oncologists, radiation oncologists, and endocrinologists provides compassionate, full-service care for pancreatic disease at any stage. We’re working to address important clinical needs for our patients to provide the highest level of care and access to the latest treatment strategies.
Early Detection and Monitoring for People With Elevated Genetic Risk
Our Muzzi Mirza Pancreatic Cancer Prevention & Genetics Program focuses on treatment of individuals who are at an elevated risk of developing pancreatic cancer. This program also includes a Pancreatic Cyst Surveillance service to monitor those with known or suspected pancreatic cysts.
Read More About Our Prevention & Genetics Program »
Comprehensive Support for You and Your Family
We understand that a diagnosis of pancreatic disease can be stressful for you and your family. We are here for you, and have a dedicated psychosocial oncology team specifically trained to help you through the emotional burden of disease and treatment. We also have monthly Pancreas Cancer Support Groups and Pancreatitis Support Groups to help you connect, teach, and learn from others going through similar experiences. Our Pancreas Center community also provides support through annual events and through sharing their stories and perspectives online.
Read More About Our Support Services »
Personalized Nutrition Plans to Help You Stay Healthy
Nutrition: Because the pancreas is a vital part of the normal digestive system, nutrition after a diagnosis of pancreatic disease can be difficult. We want to ensure you receive all the nutrients you need, and have a team of nutritionists on hand who specialize in pancreatic patients. You can learn more about specific nutrient needs – including recipe suggestions – in our Nutrition Blog »
Working Towards a Brighter Future
As part of our Hope Ahead Campaign to further encourage breakthroughs in pancreas care, we fund awards and host conferences dedicated to research into pancreatic disease. Awards like the Ruth Grant Siegel Award for Excellence in Pancreatic Research and conferences like Gigi Shaw Arledge Conference on Pancreatic Disease provide opportunities for doctors and scientists from around the world to meet and share their research and knowledge.
Stories of Hope: Bob Tepé
Life can be snatched from you in an instant. A more diabolical way is to be told by your doctor that you have cancer. Is it just as much a life-crushing moment if you had an idea something was wrong and your doctor’s confirmation somehow gave it bonafide legitimacy?
Research & Clinical Trials
The Pancreas Center brings together a host of physicians and scientists to explore the various reasons why people develop pancreatic disease and how we can best treat it. We participate in studies that show promise for moving current treatment strategies forward and addressing important clinical needs for our patients, and our commitment to providing the highest level of care and access to the latest treatments is unmatched.
Learn more about our research here:
- Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trials (in partnership with Columbia's Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center)
- View The Hope Ahead Campaign
To further encourage breakthroughs in pancreas care, we fund awards and host conferences dedicated to research into pancreatic disease, like the Ruth Grant Siegel Award for Excellence in Pancreatic Research and the Gigi Shaw Arledge Conference on Pancreatic Disease, an opportunity for doctors and scientists from around the world to meet and share their research and knowledge.
Information for Students & Healthcare Professionals
As part of an Ivy League academic center, our team has a duty to teach doctors-in-training and share their knowledge with the medical community at large - pushing them to always be aware of the latest findings and best practices.
- Division of GI/Endocrine Surgery Administrative Page
- GI/Endocrine Surgery Fellowship Program
- CME & Educational Events
If you would like to make an appointment to see one of our specialists, you can request an appointment online or call us at (212) 305-9467.