Wells Messersmith, MD
Medical Oncology
Locations
Practice Locations
University of Colorado Cancer Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
720-848-0300
CU Medicine Medical Oncology
Highlands Ranch Specialty Care Center
720-516-1100
Pancreas & Biliary Multidisciplinary Clinic - Anschutz
1-855-824-7262
UCHealth Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion - Anschutz Medical Campus
720-848-0000
UCHealth Lone Tree Medical Center
720-848-2200
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)
720-848-0000
Provider Expertise
Clinical Interest for Patients
I am interested in Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colorectal, Pancreatic, Gastric, Esophageal, Hepatocellular, Gallbladder, Bile Ducts, Anal, GI, Stromal Tumors, Abdominal Carcinoma of Unknown Primary), Drug Development (Experimental Therapeutics) and Translational Research.
Care Philosophy
We strive to provide patient-focused, personalized, multi-disciplinary care for gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Our specialized providers in Medical Oncology (chemotherapy and targeted therapies), Surgical Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Pathology, Molecular Pathology, Radiology, Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Gastroenterology (both Hepatology and Interventional Endoscopy), Nutrition, and Integrative Medicine work together to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. We have weekly GI cancer tumor boards, where our specialists come together to discuss patients and patient care.
Specialties
- Internal Medicine ( 2001 )
- Medical Oncology ( 2003 )
Conditions & Treatments
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Cancers
Anal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastroenterologic Cancer (Colon, Stomach, Esophageal, Liver), Pancreatic Cancer
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Digestive System
Gastroenterology (Stomach, Bowel, General GI Problems)
Interests & Activities
Volunteer Activities
I have given GI cancer lectures at national meetings (ASCO, AACR) and at community cancer centers across the US and Europe. I also participate in grant, abstract, and manuscript reviews in my field.
Education & Training
Medical Schools
MD, Harvard Medical School (1998)
Undergraduate Schools
BA, Williams College (MA) (1992)
Internships
Massachusetts General Hospital Program (1999)
Residency Program
Massachusetts General Hospital Program (2001)
Fellowships
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Program (2004)
Professional Memberships
AACR - American Association of Cancer Research, Member
ASCO - American Association of Clinical Oncology, Member
Research & Grants
Research Interests for Patients
My lab is mainly focused on using a personalized approach in developing new anticancer drugs for GI cancers. In particular, the lab uses a novel colorectal and pancreatic explant model whereby tumor tissue is obtained from the operating room and then placed directly into mice. Tumors are treated with new drugs and predictive biomarkers of sensitivity are discovered. These predictive markers are used in the clinic to pre-select patients that would most likely derive benefit from these new drugs. Additionally, these tumors are evaluated in orthotopic and metastatic models. Current anticancer drugs in the lab target Notch (g-secretase), Src, and hedgehog pathways.
information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
(720) 848-0300
Referral Contact Fax
720-848-0360
Clinical Interests for Referring Providers
Gastrointestinal Cancers (Colorectal, Pancreatic, Gastric, Esophageal, Hepatocellular, Gallbladder, Bile Ducts, Anal, GI, Stromal Tumors, Abdominal Carcinoma of Unknown Primary), Drug Development (Experimental Therapeutics), Translational Research
Research Interest for Referring Providers
My lab is mainly focused on using a personalized approach in developing new anticancer drugs for GI cancers. In particular, the lab uses a novel colorectal and pancreatic explant model whereby tumor tissue is obtained from the operating room and then placed directly into mice. Tumors are treated with new drugs and predictive biomarkers of sensitivity are discovered. These predictive markers are used in the clinic to pre-select patients that would most likely derive benefit from these new drugs. Additionally, these tumors are evaluated in orthotopic and metastatic models. Current anticancer drugs in the lab target Notch (g-secretase), Src, and hedgehog pathways.
