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Peter Allen

David C. Sabiston, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Surgery
Surgical Oncology

Overview


I am a Surgical Oncologist with clinical and research training in pancreatic and hepatobiliary malignancy.  In 2018, I joined Duke University as the Chief of Surgical Oncology, and the Chief of Surgery in the Duke Cancer Institute.  Previously, I led the clinical and research efforts regarding pancreatic neoplasia within the Department of Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and served as the Associate Director for Clinical Programs within the David Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. I also held the Murray F. Brennan endowed Chair in Surgery. 

Over the previous ten years, I have been interested in the progression of pancreatic precursor lesions called intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN).  These cystic precursor lesions of the pancreas present an opportunity for to both study cancer progression, and potentially prevent the development of this lethal malignancy.  My research has focused on biomarker development to identify high-risk IPMN as well as studies evaluating the cause of this disease process.  I have successfully completed phase II and phase III clinical trials in patients with pancreatic cancer and IPMN, and am currently the PI of a first-in-human multi-center randomized chemoprevention trial for pancreatic cancer that is targeting patients with high-risk IPMN.

My laboratory includes both pre and postdoctoral trainees, and they play a critical role in the development of our pancreatic cancer prevention program. 

Current Appointments & Affiliations


David C. Sabiston, Jr. Distinguished Professor of Surgery · 2023 - Present Surgical Oncology, Surgery
Professor of Surgery · 2019 - Present Surgical Oncology, Surgery
Chief, Division of Surgical Oncology · 2018 - Present Surgical Oncology, Surgery
Health System Vice President for Cancer Services · 2023 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2018 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

In the News


Published May 4, 2023
Duke Awards 44 Distinguished Professorships

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Recent Publications


Advances in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: An overview of the current and evolving therapeutic landscape for clinicians.

Journal Article CA Cancer J Clin · May 20, 2025 Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Contemporary advances in systemic and locoregional therapies have led to changes in peer-reviewed guidelines regarding systemi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Robotic Versus Open Placement of Hepatic Artery Infusion Pumps.

Journal Article Ann Surg Oncol · May 2025 BACKGROUND: A growing number of centers offer hepatic artery infusion pump (HAIP) chemotherapy for advanced liver malignancies. While small series have demonstrated feasibility of robotic HAIP placement, comparison of outcomes with open placement is lackin ... Full text Link to item Cite

Spatial Transcriptomics of Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasms Reveals Divergent Indolent and Malignant States.

Journal Article Clin Cancer Res · May 1, 2025 PURPOSE: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) occur in 5% to 10% of the population, but only a small minority progress to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The lack of accurate predictors of high-risk disease leads to both unnecessary ope ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Duke Research Training Program in Surgical Oncology

Inst. Training Prgm or CMECo-Principal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2024 - 2029

Advanced Immunobiology Traning Program for Surgeons

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases · 2019 - 2029

Disparate Survival, Disparate Workforce: An Integrated Approach to Improving Head and Neck Cancer Outcomes and Diversity in the Oncology Workforce

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research · 2024 - 2029

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Education, Training & Certifications


Dartmouth College, Geisel School of Medicine · 1993 M.D.
Harvard University · 1989 B.A.