Dr. James L. Abbruzzese

Dr. 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.