Hereditary Colorectal Cancer Multidisciplinary Program
At City of Hope, we have an expert multidisciplinary care team for individuals and their family members with Lynch syndrome, familial adenomatous polyposis, and other colon cancer-causing syndromes. Lynch syndrome may develop into colorectal, ovarian, stomach, and other cancers in some families. Familial adenomatous polyposis may lead to colorectal, thyroid, and brain tumors — among other cancers. Our team offers comprehensive hereditary syndrome care, including:
- Genetic counseling
- Precision cancer screening
- Therapy
Most cancer develops sporadically — when a genetic problem occurs within a cell and causes it to start to grow and spread uncontrollably.
Hereditary genetic testing looks at mutations in all cells of the body — mutations that can be passed from generation to generation.
Our team spans several disciplines. For those who have a genetic predisposition for cancer, that means expanded access to leading-edge surgical methods, therapies, surveillance and clinical trials.

With superior survival outcomes in the greater Los Angeles region for all stages, City of Hope’s aptitude for treating colorectal cancer stands on its own.

Our developments in the areas of breakthrough cancer drugs, bone marrow transplants and CAR T cell therapy are recognized internationally.

Our leadership in research and innovation continually enhances our ability to provide novel and differentiated approaches to cancer care.

Michelle Afkhami, M.D., is a hematopathologist and molecular pathologist in the Department of Pathology at City of Hope.

Massimo D'Apuzzo, M.D., is a neuropathologist and anatomic pathologist focusing on brain tumors.
Thanh H. Dellinger, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist focusing on ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, robotic surgery and fertility sparing cancer treatments.
Marwan G. Fakih, M.D., is a medical oncologist specializing in gastrointestinal cancers at City of Hope's Duarte and Newport Beach locations.
Ernest Han, M.D., Ph.D., is a gynecologic oncologist with specialized training in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted surgery.
Trilokesh Kidambi, M.D., a gastroenterologist with a specialty colorectal cancer screening at City of Hope, near Los Angeles.
Lily Lai, M.D., is a colorectal surgeon and associate professor in the Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery.

City of Hope's Stephen Lee, M.D., is a gynecologic oncologist focusing on ovarian cancer, uterine (endometrial) cancer, cervical cancer and robotic surgery.
Kurt A. Melstrom, M.D., is an associate clinical professor in the Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery.
Stephen M. Sentovich, M.D., M.B.A., is a colorectal surgeon and a clinical professor in the Division of Colorectal Surgery, Department of Surgery.