Blase Polite, MD, has expertise in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies, with a particular focus on colon, rectal, and anal cancers, and neuroendocrine (carcinoid) tumors.
In conjunction with the Center for GI Oncology, Dr. Polite works closely with national and international experts in surgical and radiation oncology and interventional gastroenterology. Through this team approach, individualized treatment plans can be established for each patient.
He lectures and publishes on these topics, and serves on a national scientific advisory panel charged with selecting the top research abstracts to be presented at national meetings for GI cancers. He is also frequently asked to perform peer review of research being considered for publication in major medical journals.
Dr. Polite has initiated several clinical research trials aimed at advancing our treatment of colon and rectal cancer at all stages including for individuals whose tumor has grown despite standard treatments.
In addition to his primary clinical responsibilities, Dr. Polite’s research has focused on understanding racial and ethnic differences in colon cancer outcomes, with a focus on understanding the psychological, social and spiritual needs of each patient.
In conjunction with the Center for GI Oncology, Dr. Polite works closely with national and international experts in surgical and radiation oncology and interventional gastroenterology. Through this team approach, individualized treatment plans can be established for each patient.
He lectures and publishes on these topics, and serves on a national scientific advisory panel charged with selecting the top research abstracts to be presented at national meetings for GI cancers. He is also frequently asked to perform peer review of research being considered for publication in major medical journals.
Dr. Polite has initiated several clinical research trials aimed at advancing our treatment of colon and rectal cancer at all stages including for individuals whose tumor has grown despite standard treatments.
In addition to his primary clinical responsibilities, Dr. Polite’s research has focused on understanding racial and ethnic differences in colon cancer outcomes, with a focus on understanding the psychological, social and spiritual needs of each patient.
Specialties
Areas of Expertise
- Medical Oncology
- Colon Cancer
- Rectal Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
Board Certifications
- Internal Medicine
- Medical Oncology
Memberships & Medical Societies
- American Association for Cancer Research
- American College of Physicians
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
- Cancer and Leukemia Group B
Practicing Since
- 2006
Languages Spoken
- English
- Greek
Medical Education
- Indiana University School of Medicine
Internship
- University of Chicago Medicine
Residency
- University of Chicago Medicine
Fellowship
- University of Chicago Medicine
News & Research
View Published Papers- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Atezolizumab in Treating Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer and Deficient DNA Mismatch Repair
- Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Treating Patients With Refractory Metastatic Anal Canal Cancer
- Safety and Efficacy of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Plus Binimetinib Alone or Pembrolizumab Plus Chemotherapy With or Without Binimetinib in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer (mCRC) Participants (MK-3475-651)
- Cisplatin, Carboplatin and Etoposide or Temozolomide and Capecitabine in Treating Patients With Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Gastrointestinal Tract or Pancreas That Is Metastatic or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery
- Study of Encorafenib + Cetuximab Plus or Minus Binimetinib vs. Irinotecan/Cetuximab or Infusional 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)/Folinic Acid (FA)/Irinotecan (FOLFIRI)/Cetuximab With a Safety Lead-in of Encorafenib + Binimetinib + Cetuximab in Patients With BRAF V600E-mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
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