Dr. H. Richard Alexander
Chief of Surgical Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute
Dr. H. Richard Alexander is one of the top specialist doctors for mesothelioma. He leads the Rutgers Cancer Institute HIPEC surgery program for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
195 Little Albany St., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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More About Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Richard Alexander
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is caused by asbestos exposure. Dr. Alexander is the Chief of Surgical Oncology at Rutgers Cancer Institute, with a focus on peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdominal cavity. It is treatable with surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Aside from his work at Rutgers, the most interesting aspect of Dr. Alexander’s experience is in the military. He started his medical career as a medical officer in the United States Navy, where he served aboard both the USS Mt. Whitney (LCC-20) and the USS Midway (CV-41).
Following Dr. Alexander’s military service and medical training, he joined the surgical team at the National Cancer Institute. He became a Deputy Director in the Center for Cancer Research. He later joined the Department of Surgery at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
His titles at Rutgers Cancer Institute include:
- Chief Surgical Officer
- System Director of Surgical Oncology at RWJBarnabas Health
- Regional Director of Surgery for Monmouth Medical Center, affiliated with RWJBarnabas Health
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Officer for U.S. Navy
- Fellowship in Surgical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City
Certifications and Memberships
- Memberships in the American College of Surgeons, American Surgical Association, Society of Surgical Oncology and Royal College of Surgeons (Glasgow)
- Served on multiple committees for the Society of Surgical Oncologists
Get Connected to Dr. H. Richard Alexander
Dr. H. Richard Alexander is Chief of Surgical Oncology at one of the top cancer centers in the United States northeast region. His clinical focus of gastrointestinal surgical oncology includes peritoneal mesothelioma, treated by HIPEC.
Why Choose Dr. Alexander?
- Military service as a medical officer for U.S. Navy
- HIPEC surgery specialist for peritoneal mesothelioma
- Award-winning doctor at a prestigious hospital
HIPEC Surgery Experience
Treatment for mesothelioma includes surgery, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The main surgery for peritoneal mesothelioma is called cytoreduction with HIPEC, also called HIPEC surgery.
HIPEC stands for hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. It is a heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen. Doctors use it after cytoreductive surgery, which is a debulking surgery to remove visible tumors.
Dr. Alexander can perform HIPEC surgery. He conducted a review of 211 patients treated with HIPEC, cytoreduction and adjuvant therapy. The median survival was more than five years.
Military Connection for Veterans With Mesothelioma
Finding a mesothelioma doctor with a military background is rare. There are only a few in the United States. This makes Dr. Alexander an asset for veterans with mesothelioma.
Doctors from a military background are more skilled at communicating with veterans and their families. They may be able to explain how asbestos exposure occurred.
Investigation of PD-L1 Expression in Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Dr. Alexander and his team recently looked into PD-L1 expression on peritoneal mesothelioma tumors. They looked at 20 patients and reported 75% overexpressed this protein.
The next step is testing immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy for mesothelioma. Opdivo and Yervoy are in clinical trials for peritoneal mesothelioma. These immunotherapies may slow the growth of tumors by blocking PD-L1 and helping the immune system.
Meeting Dr. Alexander for Consultation
Dr. Richard Alexander sees patients at two locations: Rutgers Cancer Institute and Monmouth Medical Center. He has an extensive background helping people diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Patients in the northeast should consider Dr. Alexander as their choice of doctor. Even patients not in this region may consider traveling to see him. If interested, please email nurse and patient advocate Karen Ritter (karen@mesotheliomaguide.com). You can get a list of doctors who can handle your case by filling out our free Doctor Match form and getting our recommendations based on your type of mesothelioma.
Sources & Author
- Richard Alexander, Jr., MD, FACS. RWJBarnabas Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cinj.org/h-richard-alexander-jr-md-facs. Accessed: 01/24/2022.
- Exploring PD-L1 Expression in Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma. RWJBarnabas Health. Retrieved from: https://www.cinj.org/exploring-pd-l1-expression-malignant-peritoneal-mesothelioma. Accessed: 01/24/2022.
AI Summary of Dr. H. Richard Alexander
Dr. H. Richard Alexander is a highly experienced medical professional specializing in the treatment of mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. He serves as the Chief of Surgical Oncology at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey and is known for his expertise in performing advanced surgical procedures, particularly the HIPEC surgery used for peritoneal mesothelioma. This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen and can be treated effectively with a combination of surgery and heated chemotherapy. Dr. Alexander’s leadership in HIPEC surgery has contributed to improved outcomes for many patients diagnosed with this challenging disease.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Alexander has held important roles in both military and civilian medical institutions. He began his service in the United States Navy as a medical officer, where he gained valuable experience working aboard Navy ships. After completing his medical training, he worked at the National Cancer Institute and later at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. His affiliations include prominent memberships in the American College of Surgeons, the Society of Surgical Oncology, and the Royal College of Surgeons in Glasgow. These credentials reflect his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of surgical care and research. He now oversees surgical oncology efforts at Rutgers and has a particular focus on gastrointestinal cancers like peritoneal mesothelioma.
Dr. Alexander’s expertise extends beyond traditional surgery. He has conducted significant research on the expression of PD-L1, a protein involved in tumor immune evasion, in peritoneal mesothelioma tumors. His research aims to explore the potential of immunotherapy treatments, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which could offer new hope for patients. His proven track record, combined with his military background, makes him a trusted choice for veterans and civilians alike who seek specialized mesothelioma care. Patients considering treatment with Dr. Alexander can expect compassionate, expert guidance as they navigate their diagnosis. His advanced surgical skills, combined with his ongoing research and military experience, confirm his position as a leading figure in the fight against mesothelioma in the northeastern United States.