Every year Hour Detroit publishes a list of the Top Doctors in metro Detroit. This year’s list contains more than 1000 physicians in 94 specialties — all nominated by their peers. With so many doctors at our fingertips we’d be remiss not to share some of their insights with you. Below is one of the eight interviews with a 2025 Top Doctor.
More Hour Detroit Top Doc Profiles
Amanda Kupstas, M.D. on Breast Health
Yusuke Terasaki, M.D. on Heart Health
Megan Pesch, M.D. on Pediatric Viruses
Dana Zakalik, M.D. on Gene Editing
Jeffrey Zonder, M.D. on Myeloma and Amyloidosis
Monique Swain, M.D. on Fertility Preservation for Breast Cancer Patients
Christina Shanti, M.D. on How to Support Your Child Undergoing Surgery
What is something you wish more people understood about your profession?
Our field is rapidly evolving: Gastrointestinal cancers (colon, gastric, liver, pancreatic, etc.) have historically been difficult to treat, but new therapies — immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and precision medicine — are changing outcomes. Keeping up with this fast-paced research is a critical part of our job.
What recent innovations in your field are you most excited about, and why?
I am excited about the new inhibitors for the KRAS mutation. KRAS mutation is the driver (starts and promotes the growth) of pancreatic cancer in 90% of cases. That means if we shut down this mutant gene, we could suppress the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer. Human studies are ongoing to evaluate new oral agents.
Are there any recent studies you’ve worked on that you can tell us about?
I lead a clinical trial at Karmanos Cancer Institute targeting a genetic alteration called NRG1 fusion, which is present in several cancers, including pancreatic cancer. I am happy to report that after several years of hard work and many patients enrolling in this trial, trusting me with their cancer care, we got the drug zenocutuzumab approved by the FDA in December 2024!
What preventive measures can a person take to avoid or mitigate the risk of pancreatic cancer?
Genetic testing is a valuable tool for patients who know that pancreatic cancer runs in their family. If you smoke, make the decision to quit smoking. Maintain a healthy weight through diet and physical activity. Commit to getting regular exercise and aim for around 150 to 300 minutes each week of moderate to vigorous activity. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Limit or avoid red and processed meats as well as highly processed foods. Limit the amount of alcohol that you may drink, especially if you drink heavily.
This story originally appeared in the October 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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