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
- Colon Cancer
- Anal Cancer
- Appendix Cancer
- Gastrointestinal Cancers
Board Certifications
- Medical Oncology
Memberships & Medical Societies
- American College of Physicians
- American Association for Cancer Research
- Cancer and Leukemia Group B
- American Society of Clinical Oncology
Practicing Since
- 2006
Languages Spoken
- English
- Greek
Medical Education
- Indiana University School of Medicine
Residency
- University of Chicago Medicine
Fellowship
- University of Chicago Medicine
News & Research
View Published Papers- Colon Adjuvant Chemotherapy Based on Evaluation of Residual Disease
- Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Treating Patients With Refractory Metastatic Anal Canal Cancer
- Combination Chemotherapy With or Without Atezolizumab in Treating Patients With Stage III Colon Cancer and Deficient DNA Mismatch Repair
- Trial Evaluating 3-year Disease Free Survival in Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Treated With Chemoradiation Plus Induction or Consolidation Chemotherapy and Total Mesorectal Excision or Non-operative Management
- 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 Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) vs Standard Therapy in Participants With Microsatellite Instability-High (MSI-H) or Mismatch Repair Deficient (dMMR) Stage IV Colorectal Carcinoma (MK-3475-177/KEYNOTE-177)
- PROSPECT: Chemotherapy Alone or Chemotherapy Plus Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Undergoing Surgery
- Aetna HMO (specialists only)
- Aetna POS
- Aetna PPO
- BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
- BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
- BCBS PPO
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna POS
- Cigna PPO
- CountyCare *see insurance page
- Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
- Medicare
- Multiplan PPO
- PHCS PPO
- United Choice Plus POS/PPO
- United Options (PPO)
- United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
- United W500 Emergent Wrap
- Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
- Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
- United Choice HMO (specialists only)
- University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)
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