Our physicians and surgeons are accustomed to treating the most advanced and challenging cases of colorectal cancer from throughout inland Northern California, and have built a reputation for innovative therapies and surgical techniques that minimize the need for temporary or permanent colostomies. Our specialists also have extensive experience and expertise with colorectal cancers that have spread to the liver or other areas of the abdomen.

A multidisciplinary team of top academic specialists evaluates every patient seen in our Colorectal Cancer Program. Depending on the type and stage of cancer, the treatment team may include surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, gastroenterologists, pathologists and radiologists. The team also includes oncology nurses, registered dietitians, clinical research associates, genetic counselors and social workers. Collaboratively, team members design an individualized course of treatment for each patient. In every case, the goal is to achieve the best chance for a cure, while maximizing quality of life.

Our specialists use a combination of advanced medical and surgical techniques, including staging with endorectal ultrasound, preoperative chemoradiation, external-beam radiation and colonic stents. Our surgeons are skilled at treating rectal cancers, using such advanced techniques as transanal tumor resection and nerve-sparing total mesorectal resection. We also offer multiple treatment options for patients whose cancer has spread to the liver, including radiofrequency ablation to destroy liver tumors and direct chemotherapy delivered to the liver via pumps. In addition, our clinical trials program, one of the largest in the nation, offers patients access to new anti-cancer drugs and other therapies before they become widely available.

Surgical Oncology

Vijay Khatri, M.D.
Associate Professor of Surgical Oncology

Steve Chen, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery

Radiology

John McGahan, M.D.
Professor of Radiology

Hematology/Oncology

Michael Tanaka, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology

At our Placer Center for Health and our affiliate cancer centers in Marysville and Merced, many of our patients are able to receive some or all of their treatment closer to home while remaining under the care of UC Davis specialists.

To make an appointment, please call (916) 703-5210 or (800) 362-5566.