Noted for performing the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer, Dr. Pigazzi is advancing research in early onset colorectal cancer

City of Hope Orange County, part of one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, announced today that world-renowned colorectal surgeon Alessio Pigazzi, M.D., Ph.D., has joined the organization as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery.

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City of Hope Orange County announces the appointment of Alessio Pigazzi, M.D., Ph.D., as clinical professor of surgery, executive medical director of colorectal surgery and vice chair of clinical network affairs for the Department of Surgery. (Photo: Business Wire)

Dr. Pigazzi performed the world’s first robot-assisted tumor removal for rectal cancer two decades ago at City of Hope in Duarte, California, revolutionizing treatment of the disease. In his new role, Dr. Pigazzi will lead a team of surgeons and researchers specializing in complex colon, rectal and anal cancers, advance research in early onset colorectal cancer and minimally invasive techniques to improve recovery after surgery, and oversee optimal access and utilization of surgical services.

“Dr. Pigazzi is an exceptionally talented leader and surgical pioneer whose expertise has transformed his field and enhanced our collective ability to treat complex cancers and improve survival rates,” said Edward S. Kim, M.D., M.B.A., physician-in-chief, City of Hope Orange County, vice physician-in-Chief, City of Hope National Medical Center, and Construction Industries Alliance City of Hope Orange County Physician-in-Chief Chair. “We welcome him as a widely respected clinician and an internationally noted researcher who will further our ability to provide outstanding patient care and advance cancer breakthroughs.”

Dr. Pigazzi is renowned for his expertise in laparoscopic, robot-assisted and open surgical techniques. He is also among a small cadre of surgeons proficient in cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a highly advanced procedure in which heated chemotherapy is directly applied within the abdominal cavity following the removal of cancerous tumors. The procedure can improve long-term outcomes and provide more treatment options for those with inoperable or advanced-stage cancer.

“This appointment to City of Hope Orange County is a homecoming for me,” Dr. Pigazzi said. “I am truly impressed by the level of comprehensive cancer care City of Hope offers — from the multidisciplinary clinics to integrative oncology to the depth and breadth of advanced treatments, clinical trials, and the latest technology available to patients and their families. This level of cancer-focused expertise, pioneering research and patient support services makes City of Hope the best place for people with cancer.”

Annette Walker, president of City of Hope Orange County, said the organization welcomes Dr. Pigazzi to its roster of world-renowned cancer experts. City of Hope was recently recognized among the top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.

“As we prepare for the 2025 opening of Orange County’s only hospital exclusively focused on treating and curing cancer, City of Hope is ensuring that people with cancer have access to groundbreaking cancer research and the most advanced, lifesaving treatments,” Walker said. “Patients in Orange County and beyond will benefit from Dr. Pigazzi’s clinical excellence and patient-focused approach.”

Dr. Pigazzi’s research includes neoadjuvant therapies for colon and rectal cancer, which involve administering treatments before cancer surgery to reduce the size of a tumor or destroy cancer cells that have spread. He also focuses on expanding the capabilities of minimally invasive and robotic surgery, with the goal of making these procedures more accessible and effective for a broader range of patients.

Additionally, he is currently leading research investigating the role of dietary sugars in early onset colorectal cancer, a national and regional trend recently addressed in a City of Hope Orange County report.

A founding member of the Clinical Robotic Surgery Association, Dr. Pigazzi is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, and a fellow of the Society of Surgical Oncology.

Dr. Pigazzi earned his joint medical degree and doctorate at Boston University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in general surgery at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Additionally, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery (laparoscopic, bariatric and robotic surgery) at Hackensack Medical Center in Hackensack, New Jersey, and a fellowship in colorectal surgery at UCI Medical Center in Orange, California.

“City of Hope is at the forefront of surgical advances and is a world leader in robotic-assisted techniques,” said Yuman Fong, M.D., the Sangiacomo Family Chair in Surgical Oncology at City of Hope and director of its Center for Surgical Innovation. “We are pleased to have Dr. Pigazzi back as our colleague at City of Hope where his surgical experience and immense knowledge will advance our exceptional patient outcomes.”

About City of Hope

City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope brings a uniquely integrated model to patients, spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix areas. City of Hope’s affiliated group of organizations includes Translational Genomics Research Institute and AccessHope^TM. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, X, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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