A dedication to colorectal cancer patients

[5 MIN READ]

In this article:

• Dr. Hagen Kennecke, a medical oncologist and medical director of gastrointestinal oncology at Providence, has focused his career on finding treatments that improve quality of life for colorectal cancer patients.

• He specializes in treatments for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).

• Dr. Kennecke is conducting a trial that investigates whether radiation and chemotherapy before surgery could be helpful for some patients.

At Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon, we have many doctors who are passionate about both caring for their patients of today and performing research that helps the patients of tomorrow. Hagen Kennecke, MD, MHA, FRCPC, is one of those dedicated doctors.

Recently, Dr. Kennecke, medical oncologist and medical director of gastrointestinal oncology at Providence, answered our questions about what inspired him to pursue his career in oncology, what he finds rewarding about his work, and the ways he grounds himself during his busy life.

Inspired to do more for cancer patients

Early in his medical career, Dr. Kennecke cared for colorectal cancer patients who lived for many years with reduced quality of life. He felt there was a gap in treatment options that needed to be addressed.

“I realized treatments had not significantly advanced since the early 1990s,” he said. “While surgery had gotten much better, we were still treating all patients the same way, including [treating all patients with] chemotherapy and radiation. Despite this, many patients required a permanent [colostomy] bag.”

Around the same time, his close friend was diagnosed with rectal cancer in his 40s. “I saw how the treatments affected his daily life,” he said.

Determined to improve care and outcomes for colorectal cancer patients, Dr. Kennecke set his sights on developing clinical trials for treatments that didn’t rely on radical surgery. His work spanned the globe through national and international collaborations.

Dr. Kennecke said his quest to find better treatments for cancer has shaped his belief in the important role clinical trials play in advancing cancer care, including treatment for neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), also known as carcinoids. NETs are rare and primarily occur in the appendix, small intestine, rectum and pancreas.

Dedicated to research

Dr. Kennecke brought his dogged determination and passion for research to Providence in March 2021, where in addition to his work as a clinician researcher and medical director, he serves as the co-chair of the Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) Recto-Anal Cancer Subcommittee.

“I have the privilege of sub-specializing in gastrointestinal cancers,” he said, “which allows me to offer the best possible care to my patients with treatments and possibilities according to the current research.”

In addition to conducting ongoing studies with research teams at Providence, Dr. Kennecke treats patients with gastrointestinal malignancies, and colorectal, liver and pancreatic cancers. He specializes in treating NET patients and has published numerous papers on peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) to treat these rare tumors. The ground-breaking treatment uses a drug and a radioactive protein to target and destroy cancer cells. Since joining Providence, Dr. Kennecke has expanded clinical services to include care for NET patients and established Providence as one of only a handful of centers offering PRRT in the Pacific Northwest. In August 2021, he had the privilege of treating the first Providence patient with PRRT.

Rectal Cancer Program accreditation

In June 2021, Providence Cancer Institute’s Rectal Cancer Program earned accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC). Providence Portland and Providence St. Vincent medical centers were the first in the Pacific Northwest and among the first 25 in the nation to earn this honor. Dr. Kennecke couldn’t be prouder. Since then, Providence Kadlec Regional Medical Center in Richland, Washington, also received NAPRC accreditation.

Programs that receive accreditation provide specialized treatment by a multidisciplinary team that has shown to improve outcomes. For patients with rectal cancer, that means lower rates of cancer recurrence, lower rates of requiring a permanent colostomy, and better long-term survival.

“We are delighted that Providence is among the few centers recognized by NAPRC with its standards of excellence” said Dr. Kennecke after the announcement. “Our NAPRC accreditation allows all patients in need of rectal cancer care to be individualized and treated according to national guidelines.” 

In 2021, the American Cancer Society and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force updated their recommendations for cancer screenings, after data collected over the past 20 years showed an increase in colorectal cancer diagnoses in patients under age 50. Now, cancer screenings are recommended for patients starting at age 45. “Lowering the age of screenings allows us to catch the cancer early, when it can be cured,” said Dr. Kennecke.

To help prevent colon cancer, Dr. Kennecke recommends increasing daily movement and exercise, avoiding red and processed meat, and eating more whole foods. He also encourages adults 45 and older to get screened, even if colon cancer isn’t in their family history. “Family history accounts for only a small proportion of those diagnosed with colorectal cancer,” he said.

Continuing research in colorectal cancer

The Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon remains a leader in offering clinical trial opportunities for colorectal cancer patients. Currently, patients are enrolling in a trial that evaluates how effective it can be to administer radiation and chemotherapy before surgery in some colorectal cancer patients. Dr. Kennecke is the principal investigator of the study.

“The advantage of treating the tumor earlier is that by the time you do surgery, you can see how well the treatment worked,” says Dr. Kennecke. “That’s a marker of how successful a treatment is. In this case, we hope to see our patients’ tumors completely disappear.” 

Keeping life in balance

With a full schedule caring for patients and pursuing and publishing research, Dr. Kennecke has found ways to maintain balance in his own life. Throughout the week he takes long bike rides around Portland in the Columbia River Gorge or through Hood River’s bucolic countryside. The outings help quiet his mind, refuel his body and renew his focus.

“Biking is a huge passion and outlet for me,” he said. “At the beginning of a ride my mind is still churning, thinking of projects and my patient encounters. As the ride progresses, my mind clears and I can focus on my performance and the beautiful Oregon surrounding, and by the end of the ride I am ready for new challenges!”

To learn more about our patient care, cancer research and clinical trials, visit Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon.

--

Contributing caregiver

Hagen Kennecke, MD, MHA, FRCPC, medical oncologist and medical director of gastrointestinal oncology at Providence.

Find a doctor

If you are looking for a gastroenterologist or oncologist, you can search for one that’s right for you in our provider directory.  

Download the Providence App

We’re with you, wherever you are. Make Providence’s app your personalized connection to your health. Schedule appointments, conduct virtual visits, message your doctor, view your health records and more. Learn more and download the app.

Related resources 

Which cancer screenings should you undergo?

Low-fiber diet for colonoscopy prep

Colorectal cancer screening in at-risk communities

This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional’s instructions.