Frank A. Sinicrope, M.D.

Location

SUMMARY

The research of Frank A. Sinicrope, M.D., focuses on areas broadly related to colorectal cancer, including biomarkers for early detection, prediction of recurrence and patient response to therapy. Studies range from laboratory research that examines mechanisms of treatment resistance to clinical trials in patients, including immunotherapy trials.

Focus areas

• Early detection. Dr. Sinicrope is investigating circulating tumor DNA to screen for colorectal cancer and identify residual cancer after surgery that can predict recurrence.
• Early-onset colorectal cancer. Studies use genetic testing to identify patients at high risk, including risk of hereditary syndromes.
• Mechanisms of treatment resistance. Research focuses on chemotherapy resistance and features of the tumor microenvironment that confer resistance to immunotherapy.
• Artificial intelligence. Dr. Sinicrope is using computer-generated algorithms to analyze colorectal cancers to predict treatment response and patient survival.
• Immunotherapy. Dr. Sinicrope designs studies to evaluate immunotherapy for treatment and examine the role of the gut microbiome in treatment outcomes.

Significance to patient care

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and it's becoming more common among younger adults. While advances have been made, patients with cancer that has spread are generally less likely to survive. Strategies to improve screening, prevention and treatment are needed, as are therapies that work better.

Dr. Sinicrope and his colleagues are studying new blood-based screening approaches and the use of blood-based biomarkers to predict whether cancer will come back. They are working to develop treatments that work better, including the use of therapies that target the immune system.

Professional highlights

• National Cancer Institute:
  • Member, Colon Cancer Task Force, 2020-present.
  • Member, Gastrointestinal Steering Committee, 2014-2022.
• Clinical Investigator of the Mayo Foundation, Mayo Clinic Foundation, 2019-present.
• Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology:
  • Member, Translational Research Executive Committee, 2012-present.
  • Vice chair, Prevention Committee, 2014-2024.
• Patent co-inventor, Methods and Systems for Evaluation of Immune Cell Infiltrate in Stage III Colorectal Cancer, 3746790, 2023.
• Chair, GI Oncology Committee for Prevention/Chemoprevention, American Gastroenterological Association, 2010-2022.
• Co-leader, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Program, Mayo Clinic, 2015-2021.
• Patent co-inventor, Methods and Systems for Evaluation of Immune Cell Infiltrate in Stage III Colorectal Cancer, PCTEP2020052737, 2020.
• Member, GI Cancer Program Committee, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2017-2020.
• Patent co-inventor, Intratumoral CD3 and CD8 T-Cell Densities in Patients with DNA Mismatch Repair-Deficient (dMMR) Metastatic Colorectal Cancers Receiving Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD-1) Blockade, 63362305, 2019.