David A. August, MD

Dr. August has practiced Surgical Oncology in a University setting for over 30 years, specializing in gastrointestinal tract cancers (including those of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colon and rectum, and retroperitoneum). My research interests include nutrition support in cancer patients, novel therapeutic approaches to pancreas cancer, and quality assessment in Surgical Oncology. I am also the Program Director of our nationally certified (American Council on Graduate Medical Education) training program in Surgical Oncology.

Since coming to the Cancer Institute of New Jersey in 1994, he has helped thousands of cancer patients navigate their surgical treatment options. But sometimes cancer is best treated when a combination of therapies are used. While surgery may be part of the process, our team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, gastroenterologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, dietitians, social workers and other specialists -- all under one roof -- in order to provide patients with a comprehensive evaluation.

Since his training as a resident at Yale and as a fellow at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, I have had a strong interest in cancers of the esophagus, stomach, pancreas, colorectum, and retroperitoneum. I have also pursued clinical and research interests in nutrition and cancer prevention, and the treatment of advanced esophageal and pancreatic cancers. Some of my long-standing research has focused on the use of food-based agents to prevent cancer, and on the use of vaccine therapies for pancreas cancer. I have particular experience and expertise in surgery for esophageal cancer (we often use a less invasive transhiatal approach), Whipple procedures and other surgeries for pancreas cancer, and rectal cancer. He also work closely with a team of genetic counselors to evaluate and advise patients with a strong personal risk of gastrointestinal tract cancers because of a family or personal history.

He is the author or co-author of more than 90 publications. I am a Past President of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition and serve on the editorial board and peer review groups of many professional journals.