Dr. Lauwers’ areas of clinical focus include luminal malignancies of the gut (particularly esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma) and hepatocellular carcinoma. He is particularly interested in refining the pathologic assessment of new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, closely collaborating with gastroenterologists, surgeons, oncologists and radiation oncologists. His research focuses predominantly on pre-neoplastic lesions and early cancers of the gut and particularly Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasms and gastric cancer. More specifically his interests are: 1) to refine diagnostic criteria and to bridge the traditional morphologic classifications with the novel molecular taxonomy in order to improve prognostication and enhance targeted therapies; and 2) to evaluate the diagnostic capabilities of new imaging modalities (optical coherent tomography, confocal laser endomicroscopy) in the screening and surveillance of patients. He is focused on support of the GI pathology service; further developing outreach, applying the latest advances in molecular diagnostics to clinical diagnostics, and participating in translational research.