Dr. Kamran Idrees
Surgical Oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Dr. Kamran Idrees is a mesothelioma doctor and surgical oncologist at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, a part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center. He has a clinical focus in peritoneal malignancies, including peritoneal mesothelioma. His specialities include use of HIPEC with surgery.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
2220 Pierce Avenue, Nashville, TN 37232
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More About Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Kamran Idrees
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that usually begins in the lining of the lungs or abdominal cavity. The type forming in the abdominal cavity lining is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Dr. Idrees joined Vanderbilt University Medical Center in 2012 as a surgical oncologist with a focus on abdominal and peritoneal malignancies.
HIPEC Experience for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
One of Dr. Idrees’ trademark specialties is experience performing HIPEC and cytoreductive surgery. This type of mesothelioma treatment combines heated chemotherapy with debulking surgery that removes tumors and diseased tissue. Heated chemotherapy is delivered during surgery directly into the patient’s abdomen.
Dr. Idrees started the HIPEC program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Dr. Idrees served as director of the peritoneal malignancies and HIPEC program until Dr. Deepa Magge joined in 2020.
“I am really interested in doing basic and translational science research for peritoneal malignancies, including mesothelioma,” Dr. Idrees said. “… In the cancer biology world, we have sort of ignored the peritoneal cavity.”
Dr. Idrees is a fellowship graduate of University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He has held many titles at Vanderbilt University Medical Center:
- Chief in the Division of Surgical Oncology and Endocrine Surgery
- Director of Pancreatic and Gastrointestinal Surgical Oncology
- Assistant professor of surgery
- Associate professor of cancer research
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Degree from the Aga Khan University Medical College located in Karachi, Pakistan, 1999
- Research fellowship in surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 2006
- Residency in general surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2008
- Fellowship in surgical oncology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 2011
Certifications and Memberships
- Certified by the American Board of Surgery
- Recipient of a National Institutes of Health Clinical and Translational Science Award
- Only surgeon in Tennessee who is a member of the American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancy
Get Connected to Dr. Kamran Idrees
Dr. Idrees is a highly regarded peritoneal mesothelioma specialist with Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. He led the HIPEC and peritoneal malignancies program for eight years and remains a valued member of the team.
Why Choose Dr. Idrees?
- Experience performing HIPEC surgery for patients
- Patient selection process to improve survival after surgery
- Advocate for immunotherapy and other options
Inspiration for HIPEC Program at Vanderbilt
When Dr. Idrees did his residency in general surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the hospital didn’t have a HIPEC program. This is despite the incidence of mesothelioma being high in Alabama.
He brought HIPEC to the Tennessee medical center in 2012. Since peritoneal mesothelioma is so rare, doctors often rely on Dr. Idrees for help.
“I think there are referring physicians who would call us to get our opinions on how to manage the patients,” he said.
Dr. Idrees said a diagnosis of mesothelioma cancer isn’t easy for anyone, including the family members and physicians. However, he’s up to the task.
“With this kind of disease, we realize a cure might not be possible,” he said. “Whatever we can do to improve their quality of life and add to their quantity of life is great.”
Strategy for HIPEC Patient Selection
Dr. Idrees is integral in patient selection for HIPEC surgery. He and Dr. Magge are in unison for how the program determines eligibility.
“This is an extremely rare diagnosis,” he said. “Usually, the diagnosis is made elsewhere. So here at Vanderbilt, we get the slides and get them reviewed by pathologists.”
Other treatment options aside from HIPEC surgery are chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
“We are looking at the cell composition of these patients,” he said, noting how much treatment has evolved.
How to Connect With Dr. Idrees
If you’re interested in Dr. Idrees as your surgical oncologist, we can help set up a consultation. Contact our patient advocate team, which includes a registered nurse. They’ll help you schedule a meeting, with virtual options available.
Sources & Author
- Kamran Idrees, MD, MSCI, MMHC, FACS. Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Retrieved from: https://www.vumc.org/surgical-sciences/person/kamran-idrees-md-msci-mmhc-facs. Accessed: 09/13/2021.
- Kamran Idrees. Vanderbilt Health. Retrieved from: https://search.vanderbilthealth.com/doctors/idrees-kamran. Accessed: 09/13/2021.
AI Summary of Dr. Kamran Idrees
Dr. Kamran Idrees is a highly experienced surgical oncologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, specializing in the treatment of peritoneal malignancies, including peritoneal mesothelioma. He joined Vanderbilt in 2012 and has dedicated his career to improving outcomes for patients with this rare and challenging form of cancer. Dr. Idrees is known for his expertise in performing cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), a treatment that involves surgically removing tumor tissue and then administering heated chemotherapy directly into the abdomen to target remaining cancer cells. This innovative approach has shown promise in extending survival and enhancing quality of life for many patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Throughout his career, Dr. Idrees has been instrumental in developing and leading Vanderbilt's HIPEC program, which he founded. His approach emphasizes careful patient selection, ensuring that those most likely to benefit from surgery and HIPEC are identified early. He works closely with a multidisciplinary team to evaluate each patient’s specific condition, discussing treatment options that include chemotherapy and immunotherapy, in addition to surgery. Dr. Idrees remains deeply committed to advancing research in this area, aiming to enhance understanding and develop new therapies for peritoneal cancers that have traditionally been difficult to treat. His focus on both cutting-edge science and compassionate patient care helps him serve individuals and families facing complex medical decisions with patience and clarity.
With a comprehensive background that includes training at renowned institutions such as the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dr. Idrees holds numerous certifications and memberships that reflect his dedication to surgical oncology and cancer research. He has also held leadership roles at Vanderbilt, including being the chief of the Division of Surgical Oncology. Many patients seek out Dr. Idrees for his expertise, knowing they will receive personalized care from a surgeon who combines scientific knowledge with a patient-first approach. Whether for consultation or treatment planning, individuals interested in learning more about how Dr. Idrees can support them are encouraged to contact Vanderbilt's team to arrange a meeting, often available through virtual visits for convenience and safety.