Dhanpat Jain, MD

Liver tumors: One of the major areas of my research interest liver tumors. Some of the studies have been collaborative efforts with other academic Institutions in the country, while some have been my own. We have evaluated various markers that can be applied in the diagnostic work-up of hepatocytic masses, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hepatic adenoma (HA) and focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) over the years. Our ongoing research in this area is looking at new markers and their diagnostic utility in the work-up of hepatic masses. We are also studying the HCCs that arise in patients with cirrhosis and chronic liver disorders and compare them with those without cirrhosis and known liver disease.

One of my major areas of research interest in liver tumors is Cholangiocarcinoma (CC). It is the second most common primary malignant neoplasm of the liver. The precursor lesions of cholangiocarcinoma are not well understood. Based on observations from clinical cases, we suspect that many of these tumors arise from biliary microhamartomas or so called von-Meyenburg complexes (VMC). Our ongoing studies are focused on generating more molecular evidence to support progression of VMC to cholangiocarcinoma and build a cancer progression model for cholangiocarcinoma.

Motility disorders of the GI tract: Based on a case of visceral myopathy that I encountered in my clinical practice I realized that the interstitial cells of Cajal that play a major role in bowel motility, have not been studied in detail in such disorders. This led to a study of these cells in a variety of motility disorders. Subsequently, I have been interested in motility disorders of the GI tract and get cases in consultation from all over the world.

Colon cancer; Pancreas cancer