Research Summary

Biography:

Dr. Ajay V. Maker M.D. is a surgical oncologist and chief of the UCSF Division of Surgical Oncology. He is an expert in surgically treating complex gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatobiliary diseases (those affecting the liver, pancreas, gallbladder and bile ducts), as well as melanomas and sarcomas.

Maker's research aims to improve early detection of pancreas cancer and to develop new therapies for treating metastases (cancers that have spread from a primary site in the body). Under grants awarded by the Department of Defense and National Institutes of Health (NIH), he works on designing novel immunotherapies (treatments that harness the immune system to fight tumors), particularly for liver metastases from colon cancer. He is one of only a few surgeons to receive the NIH MERIT award and U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity Cancer Impact Award.

Maker earned his medical degree at Yale School of Medicine. He completed a residency in general surgery at Brigham and Women's Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. He trained in surgical oncology at the NIH and completed postdoctoral studies in tumor immunology at the National Cancer Institute; this research included working in trials that led to the Food and Drug Administration approval of Ipilimumab as a new treatment for metastatic melanoma. He later completed a fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and then gained experience in minimally invasive surgical techniques at the University of Paris. He came to UCSF from his hometown of Chicago, where he was a tenured professor of surgery and of microbiology and immunology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

In 2015, Maker was the European Society of Surgical Oncology's international traveling fellow and was later honored with the Society of Surgical Oncology's Clinical Investigator Award. He has published more than 170 manuscripts, abstracts and book chapters, and he lectures all over the world. He serves on the editorial boards of many surgical and scientific journals; serves on NIH study sections, which evaluate the merit of proposed research; and has held leadership positions in numerous academic and scientific societies, including program chair of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association and chair of the Society of Surgical Oncology's gastrointestinal working group. He is also active in various medical societies, including the Surgical Biology Club , Western Surgical Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology and Pancreas Club. He has been named numerous times to Castle Connolly's Top Doctors and Top Doctors for Cancer lists. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and Society of Surgical Oncology.

Research Interests and Funding:

Dr. Maker graduated from Brown University with honors in fine arts and biology, completing his honors thesis in the NASA-funded lab of Dr. Herman Vandenberg in tissue engineering. Thereafter, he enrolled in the Yale School of Medicine and was selected to enter the Basic Science Research Training Fellowship where he was awarded the ADA Medical Scholars Award and the AAS/Novartis Research Award for his work in the R01-funded lab of surgeon Dana Andersen on elucidating mechanisms of pancreatogenic diabetes. He completed his general surgery residency at Harvard University's Brigham and Women's Hospital and a tumor immunology post-doctorate fellowship in the laboratory of Dr. Steven Rosenberg in the Surgery Branch of the NIH/NCI, during which time he was first author on many of the initial phase I/II trials utilizing anti-CTLA4 antibodies. This work was later honored with the "most cited article" award by the Society of Surgical Oncology.

Dr. Maker went on to complete surgical oncology fellowships at the NCI and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he continued translational bench research in the Ludwig Cancer Institute, funded, in part, by an ASCO Merit Award and an NCI EDRU U01. He has focused the efforts of his research career on expanding the role of immunotherapy for gastrointestinal tumors and has aligned his clinical practice to coincide with his research interests. His NCI/NIH and DoD-funded research program has identified an immunostimulatory cytokine capable of activating and supporting the proliferation of antigen-specific T-cells to incite an anti-tumor immune response in colorectal liver metastases. This strategy is currently being investigated in combination with oncolytic viruses and immune checkpoint blockade to elicit complete tumor responses. This work has been funded over time as PI by internal funding, the Warren and Clara Cole Foundation of the ACS, the NIH through both K08 and UL1 mechanisms, the DoD (Cancer Impact Award), R37 MERIT from the NCI, and the Society of Surgical Oncology (Investigator of the Year Award).

Dr. Maker's lab also investigates novel drug combinations that stimulate immunogenic cell death and that generate anti-tumor immune responses to treat GI tumor liver metastases. As part of these studies, Dr. Maker has developed multiple unique orthotopic animal models in which to study solid organ metastases that have led to multiple federally funded collaborations, including work on the novel Oncopig porcine large animal cancer model for liver and pancreatic cancer.

Furthermore, Dr. Maker has been a leader in the international IPMN biomarkers research group, and has developed a gene signature to predict malignancy in IPMN from pancreatic cyst fluid. He houses the international IPMN cyst fluid repository, one of the largest biobanks of its kind, for which he serves as the international PI. With this collaborative, he is currently validating a single-platform
biosignature to accurately predict the malignant potential of pancreatic cysts.

Finally, as a clinical surgeon with a passion for developing new laparoscopic and robotic techniques in complex surgical oncology, he has also maintained a robust clinical database from which multiple techniques papers and outcomes studies have been generated along with his residents.

Research Funding

  • January 22, 2020 - December 31, 2024 - Stimulating Lymphocyte Activation Combined with Inhibition of Immunosuppressive Signals in Colon Cancer Metastases , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: R37CA238435
  • September 17, 2014 - August 31, 2020 - Enhancing anti-tumor immune responses in colon cancer metastases , Principal Investigator . Sponsor: NIH, Sponsor Award ID: K08CA190855

Education

  • Brown University, AB (honors), 1997, Biology
  • Yale University School of Medicine, MD (honors), 2001, Medicine
  • Harvard Medical School, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Resident, 2003, Junior General Surgery Residency
  • National Institutes of Health/NCI, Fellow, 2005, Surgical Oncology
  • National Institutes of Health/NCI, Post-doctorate, 2008, Sr. General Surgery Residency and Chief Residency
  • Harvard Medical School, The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Resident, 2008, Sr. General Surgery Residency and Chief Residency
  • Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Fellow, 2010, Surgical Oncology

Honors & Awards

  • 2012,17,19
    Lloyd Nyhus Award for Academic Excellence, UIC-MGH Residency Program in Surgery
  • 2013
    Golden Scalpel Teaching Award Nomination, University of Illinois School of Medicine
  • 2015
    "Rising Star", University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
  • 2015
    European Society of Surgical Oncology Traveling Fellow, ESSO/SSO
  • 2015
    Jerry and Thelma Stergios Award for Excellence in Basic Research, University of Illinois
  • 2017
    Taiwanese Surgical Association Professorship, Association for Academic Surgery
  • 2018, 19, 20
    Castle Connolly Top Doctor
  • 2019, 20
    Top Cancer Doctor, Chicago Magazine
  • 2019
    Investigator of the Year, Society of Surgical Oncology
  • 2020
    NCI MERIT Award

Selected Publications

  1. Wong P, Pollini T, Adam MA, Alseidi A, Corvera CU, Hirose K, Kirkwood KS, Nakakura EK, Thornblade L, Maker AV. ASO Visual Abstract: Distinct Indications for Adjuvant Therapy in Resected Invasive Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas Compared with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jan; 32(1):536.  View on PubMed
  2. Kone LB, Seok D, Kimble MM, Maker AV, Patil S, Mittal V, Jacobs M. ASO Visual Abstract: Essential Elements in Synoptic Operative Reports for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Surgery-An HPB/CGSO Training Program Survey. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Dec 02.  View on PubMed
  3. Kone LB, Seok D, Kimble MM, Maker AV, Patil S, Mittal V, Jacobs M. Essential Elements in Synoptic Operative Reports for Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Cancer Surgery: An HPB/CGSO Training Program Survey. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Jan; 32(1):382-390.  View on PubMed
  4. Yin H, Romero-Hernandez F, Ganjouei AA, Wang JJ, Brown A, Hirose K, Maker AV, Nakakura E, Corvera C, Kirkwood KS, Wilhelm A, Peng JS, Alseidi A, Adam MA. Adult Pancreatoblastoma: Clinical Insights and Outcomes Compared to Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Curr Oncol. 2024 08 28; 31(9):5008-5020.  View on PubMed
  5. Hoffman D, Ganjouei AA, Hernandez FR, Ifuku K, Miller P, Glencer A, Corvera C, Kirkwood K, Alseidi A, Adam M, Maker A, Hirose K, Hirose R, Nakakura EK. Graft choice in pancreatectomy with vascular resection: equivalent safety in selected patients. J Gastrointest Surg. 2024 Nov; 28(11):1799-1804.  View on PubMed
  6. Wong P, Pollini T, Maker AV. ASO Author Reflections: Is Adjuvant Therapy Necessary for All Patients with Invasive Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas? Let's De-escalate. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Nov; 31(12):8352-8353.  View on PubMed
  7. Miller PN, Romero-Hernandez F, Calthorpe L, Wang JJ, Kim SS, Corvera CU, Hirose K, Kirkwood KS, Hirose R, Maker AV, Alseidi AA, Adam MA, Kim GE, Tempero MA, Ko AH, Nakakura EK. ASO Visual Abstract: Long-Duration Neoadjuvant Therapy with FOLFIRINOX Yields Favorable Outcomes for Patients Who Undergo Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Jul 27.  View on PubMed
  8. Wong P, Pollini T, Adam MA, Alseidi A, Corvera CU, Hirose K, Kirkwood KS, Nakakura EK, Thornblade L, Maker AV. Distinct Indications for Adjuvant Therapy in Resected Invasive Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms of the Pancreas Compared with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Nov; 31(12):8276-8286.  View on PubMed
  9. Wang Y, Lih TM, Lee JW, Ohtsuka T, Hozaka Y, Mino-Kenudson M, Adsay NV, Luchini C, Scarpa A, Maker AV, Kim GE, Paulino J, Chen L, Jiao L, Sun Z, Goodman D, Pflüger MJ, Roberts NJ, Matthaei H, Wood LD, Furukawa T, Zhang H, Hruban RH. Multi-omic profiling of intraductal papillary neoplasms of the pancreas reveals distinct expression patterns and potential markers of progression. bioRxiv. 2024 Jul 07.  View on PubMed
  10. Oviedo P, Burns S, Chen WP, Mandl HK, Rosso C, Radgoudarzi N, Crosetti A, Zamora S, Perry LM, Bold RJ, Labora AN, Donahue TR, Maker A, Valerin JB, Zell JA, White RR. The impact of the California state lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic on management of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. J Surg Oncol. 2024 Aug; 130(2):276-283.  View on PubMed
  11. Miller PN, Romero-Hernandez F, Calthorpe L, Wang JJ, Kim SS, Corvera CU, Hirose K, Kirkwood KS, Hirose R, Maker AV, Alseidi AA, Adam MA, Kim GE, Tempero MA, Ko AH, Nakakura EK. Long-Duration Neoadjuvant Therapy with FOLFIRINOX Yields Favorable Outcomes for Patients Who Undergo Surgery for Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Sep; 31(9):6147-6156.  View on PubMed
  12. Maker AV. Insights on liver-directed surgical innovations, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy for biliary tract cancer: navigating the new European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) Clinical Practice Guidelines. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr. 2024 Jun 01; 13(3):516-519.  View on PubMed
  13. Pollini T, Todeschini L, Maker AV. Pancreas Cyst Diagnosis and Advances in Cyst Fluid Analysis. Surg Clin North Am. 2024 Oct; 104(5):965-974.  View on PubMed
  14. Wong P, Wisneski AD, Tsai KK, Chang TT, Hirose K, Nakakura EK, Daud AI, Maker AV, Corvera CU. Metastatic melanoma to small bowel: metastasectomy is supported in the era of immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors. World J Surg Oncol. 2024 Mar 11; 22(1):77.  View on PubMed
  15. Wong P, Hoffman D, Pollini T, Zampese M, Corvera CU, Maker AV. Intraoperative hepatic artery infusion pump perfusion testing with indocyanine green near-infrared imaging offers multiple potential advantages. J Gastrointest Surg. 2024 Apr; 28(4):598-599.  View on PubMed
  16. O'Rear J, Wong P, Pollini T, Maker VK, Maker AV. "Mickey Mouse sign" to identify and remove cystic duct stones in postcholecystectomy syndrome. J Gastrointest Surg. 2024 Mar; 28(3):334-335.  View on PubMed
  17. Pollini T, Tran T, Wong P, Adam MA, Alseidi A, Corvera C, Hirose K, Nakakura E, Warren R, Maker VK, Maker AV. Improved survival of patients receiving immunotherapy and chemotherapy following curative-intent resection of colorectal liver metastases. J Gastrointest Surg. 2024 Mar; 28(3):246-251.  View on PubMed
  18. Maker AV, Karakousis G. Educating Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs): Are They the Student or the Teacher? Ann Surg Oncol. 2024 Apr; 31(4):2181-2182.  View on PubMed
  19. Wong P, Victorino GP, Sadjadi J, Knopf K, Maker AV, Thornblade LW. Surgical Cancer Care in Safety-Net Hospitals: a Systematic Review. J Gastrointest Surg. 2023 12; 27(12):2920-2930.  View on PubMed
  20. Wong P, Victorino GP, Miraflor E, Alseidi A, Maker AV, Thornblade LW. Impact of safety-net hospital burden on achievement of textbook oncologic outcomes following resection in for stage I-IV colorectal cancer. J Surg Oncol. 2024 Feb; 129(2):284-296.  View on PubMed

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