Dr. James L. Abbruzzese
Medical Oncologist · Gastrointestinal Cancers, Thoracic CancersDr. James L. Abbruzzese, MD, is an internationally recognized medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers, with a particular focus on pancreatic cancer. He is Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Medical Oncology at Duke University School of Medicine, as well as a senior leader in the Duke Cancer Institute’s Gastrointestinal Oncology Program. Dr. Abbruzzese earned his medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, completed his residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and pursued fellowship training in medical oncology at the National Cancer Institute. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology.
Dr. Abbruzzese’s research portfolio spans novel drug development, biomarker discovery, and innovative therapeutic strategies for pancreatic cancer. He has been a principal investigator in cooperative group trials and early-phase clinical studies evaluating targeted agents, cytotoxic chemotherapy, and immunotherapy combinations. His translational research seeks to bridge molecular understanding of pancreatic cancer with personalized treatment approaches that improve survival in this challenging disease.
A respected educator and mentor, Dr. Abbruzzese has trained numerous oncologists and clinical investigators, fostering leadership in GI oncology worldwide. He has authored more than 250 scientific publications and serves on multiple advisory panels, including the NCI’s Pancreatic Cancer Task Force. Through his clinical expertise, translational research leadership, and dedication to mentorship, Dr. James L. Abbruzzese continues to shape the global approach to pancreatic cancer care.
Education
Medical School:
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
Residency:
Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Fellowship:
Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Hospital
Board Certification:
American Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Medical Oncology
Awards
- National Thought Leader on Pancreatic Cancer – 2005
- ASCO Statesman Award – 2008
Memberships and affiliations
- Fellow – American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Fellow – Royal Society of Medicine
- Fellow – American College of Physicians
- Editor-in-Chief – International Journal of Pancreatology
- Editorial Board Member – Journal of Clinical Oncology
- Clinical Cancer Research
- Scientific Advisory Board Member – Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research
- Past Chair – NCI Clinical Trials and Translational Research Advisory Committee
- Chair – NCI Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Progress Working Group
- Duke University Hospital
- Duke Health Raleigh Hospital
Research and publications
- Exposure to Hepatitis B Virus May Increase Risk of Pancreatic Cancer
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