CU Medicine Medical Oncology
Highlands Ranch Pavilion 1
1500 Park Central Drive, Suite 1A Highlands Ranch, CO 80129Phone: 720-516-1100
Wells Messersmith, MD
Medical Oncology
Board Certified
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.
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.
Title(s)
Associate Director for Translational Research, Division Head
Credentials
Doctor of Medicine
Specialty
Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
Scheduling Phone Number
720-848-0300
Gender
Male
Languages
English
Hospital Affiliation
University of Colorado Hospital, UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital
University of Colorado Cancer Center - Anschutz Medical Campus
Phone: 720-848-0300 720-848-0300
UCHealth Pancreas and Biliary Multidisciplinary Clinic - Anschutz Medical Campus
1665 Aurora Ct, 3rd Floor Aurora, CO 80045Phone: 1-855-824-7262
UCHealth Anschutz Outpatient Pavilion - Anschutz Medical Campus
1635 Aurora Ct Aurora, CO 80045Phone: 720-848-0000
UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital (UCH)
12605 E. 16th Ave Aurora, CO 80045Phone: 720-848-0000
Provider Information
Specialties
- Internal Medicine (2001)
- Medical Oncology (2003)
Conditions
-
Cancers
Pancreatic Cancer , Anal Cancer , Gastroenterologic Cancer (Colon, Stomach, Esophageal, Liver) , Colorectal Cancer
- Digestive System
Treatments and Services
Interests and 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.
Department
Professor, Medicine-Medical Oncology
Professional Memberships
AACR - American Association of Cancer Research, Member ASCO - American Association of Clinical Oncology, Member
Research and 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.
Education and 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)
Information for referring providers
Referral Contact Phone
720-848-0300
Referral Contact Fax
720-848-0360
Referring Patients Link
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.