Travis E. Grotz, M.D.

Travis E. Grotz, M.D., is a surgical oncologist whose clinical and research interest and expertise focuses on minimally invasive approaches to gastrointestinal malignancies as well as the complex multidisciplinary and extended resection of advanced soft tissue sarcomas, gastrointestinal cancers and peritoneal metastasis. His clinical research focuses on optimizing outcomes for cancer patients through both retrospective studies as well as prospective clinical trials. Dr. Grotz's clinical research work focuses on evaluating novel and minimally invasive treatment strategies to improve perioperative outcomes for patients undergoing sarcoma, peritoneal and gastrointestinal surgeries. Specifically, he is looking at optimizing regional chemotherapy for gastrointestinal malignancies with peritoneal metastasis. Through better treatment sequencing, patient selection and novel agents he hopes to improve outcomes for patients treated with intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). He also is evaluating the benefits of a minimally invasive surgical approach to both early and advanced gastric cancer patients. Dr. Grotz's translational interests involve incorporating immunotherapy into the complex multidisciplinary treatment of patients with advanced gastrointestinal malignancies. Utilizing patient's own immune system to reduce the cancer tumor burden prior to surgery, or to treat any residual microscopic cancer cells after surgery, or to prevent future recurrences after a complete surgical resection.

Focus areas:

• Gastric or stomach cancer
• Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST)
• Retroperitoneal sarcoma
• HIPEC for peritoneal carcinomatosis
• Pseudomyxoma peritonei
• Colon cancer
• Appendix cancer
• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Carcinoid tumors
• Small bowel tumors

Significance to patient care Dr. Grotz's research has the potential to assist in the development of novel or improved regional therapeutic treatments and ideal treatment sequencing for various types of cancers. In addition, his work may prevent and minimize postoperative complications in patients undergoing complex sarcoma, peritoneal or gastrointestinal cancer surgery.