Division of Solid Tumor Oncology

The Gastrointestinal Oncologic Group is led by Steven J. Cohen, MD.  Dr. Cohen has extensive experience in all phases of clinical trials across multiple GI malignancies. Our program, focuses on providing state of the art treatments for patients with a variety of primary gastrointestinal cancer types, including pancreatic cancer, liver and biliary cancers, colon and rectal cancers, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, and neuroendocrine tumors.  Dr. Cohen continues to set the standard with his efforts working to develop national programs and procedures through his leadership within the NCI (National Cancer Institute).  The GI program contines to develop treatment options as part of our multidisciplinary team, leveraging ideas and specialists from medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, and interventional radiology.  At the forefront of our clinical care is translational research. This type of research is aimed at solving particular problems, but applies accross the spectrum of science.. 

Treatment of gastrointestinal cancer varies depending on a patients type and stage of cancer.  You also have to calculate the patients age, overall health, and other qualifying factors. Here at the Sydney Kimmel Cancer Center, we offer several cancer therapies for our patients.  We desire to bring the best understanding of how to prevent, treat, and provide advice from relevant discoveries here at Jefferson and across the nation to our patients.  Furthermore, our program offers innovative supportive services to address the complex psychosocial of our patients.

If you are a medical student with a passion for gastrointestinal oncology, clinical research, and innovative treatment strategies, this is an exciting opportunity to work alongside a team that is advancing the care of patients with complex cancers. Here at Jefferson, you will have the chance to engage in cutting-edge research, develop expertise in hepatobiliary malignancies, and contribute to improving patient care through multidisciplinary collaboration.

Atrayee Basu Mallick, MD  serves as the Enterprise Director of the Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma Center and leads the multidisciplinary (multi-D) team at Jefferson. Throughout her career, Dr. Mallick has been committed to developing the most effective, personalized treatment plans for each patient with sarcoma. Under her leadership, the team works in close collaboration with a wide range of specialists, including oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, and supportive care providers. This collaborative approach is central to delivering comprehensive, patient-centered care.  A key aspect of the program is shared decision-making, where the team actively involves patients in their care plans, ensuring they are well-informed about all available treatment options, including cutting-edge clinical trials. The program also utilizes the most advanced diagnostic technologies to ensure accurate staging and treatment planning, which is critical in managing bone and soft tissue sarcomas. Dr. Mallick emphasizes that each patient’s journey is unique, and she views it as an honor to be a part of their care. 

Babar Bashir, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor in the Departments of Medical Oncology and Pharmacology with a clinical focus on treating gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. He also serves as the Director of Early Phase Research Operations and leads the Phase I program at Jefferson, where he plays a pivotal role in advancing novel therapies through clinical trials. As Principal Investigator, Dr. Bashir oversees both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials, giving him an active role in the development of new treatment options for GI malignancies. Dr. Bashir’s translational research interests are focused on the development of novel therapeutic cancer vaccines and CAR-T cell therapies specifically for colorectal cancer. He collaborates closely with basic scientists at Jefferson to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, aiming to bring cutting-edge treatments to patients in need.  His overarching career goal is to develop innovative treatment options for both early-stage and advanced GI malignancies to improve patient outcomes. Dr. Bashir is also deeply committed to mentorship, aspiring to guide both current and future fellows and faculty in the areas of GI malignancies and clinical research. 

Daniel Lin, MD, MSc is the Director of Clinical Outpatient Operations for Medical Oncology and the Medical Director of the Honickman Infusion Center and through his collaborative efforts across multiple disciplines to streamline clinic and infusion processes. The goal is to develop strategies that enhance operational efficiency, support the growth of clinical services, and ensure the delivery of high-quality care to all patients.

Within gastrointestinal oncology, Dr. Lin has developed a particular expertise in hepatobiliary cancers. Within his role as the Deputy Director of the SKCC Liver Cancer Service Line, he works closely with our multidisciplinary liver program to improve the integration and standardization of care, providing comprehensive cancer services for patients with hepatobiliary cancers across the enterprise. Nationally, he serves as the Chair of the Hepatobiliary Pathway within the ClinicalPath GI Committee, where he assists the shaping of clinical pathways that guide the evidence-based treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer. In addition to growing a clinical expertise in gastrointestinal cancers, my experience treating diverse patient populations since my clinical training has cultivated a strong research interest in understanding and improving cancer outcomes.

Dr. Lin also serves as Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator on several therapeutic clinical trials for gastrointestinal malignancies and lead our clinical research efforts at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for hepatobiliary cancers.