Dr. Alexander Itskovich has been named the new medical director of the Statesir Cancer Center, CentraState Healthcare System announced.
Itskovich will lead the effort to collaborate with medical staff and administrative leaders to further the cancer center’s vision of providing the highest level of clinical cancer care and expanding its patient-focused approach.
Specializing in robotic and laparoscopic surgical treatments for liver, pancreatic, bile duct and gastrointestinal cancers, Itskovich’s expertise in these complex surgeries will be available to Statesir Cancer Center patients. He is also certified in robotic surgery using the da Vinci Surgical System.
Itskovich’s plans include the expansion of cancer prevention and early detection offerings, including a pancreatic cancer screening program and an incidentaloma program to ensure that any incidental findings will be analyzed to facilitate early treatment if needed. He also brings expertise in hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy to CentraState, a technique he specializes in where, during surgery, chemotherapy agents are introduced directly into the abdomen to treat certain types of colon, appendiceal and additional rare cancers.
Itskovich, who has research interest in pancreatic cysts, will be introducing clinical trials on this topic to CentraState in the next quarter. In addition, he has authored several book chapters on hepatobiliary disease as well as surgical quality and patient safety.
CentraState CEO John Gribbin praised Itskovich.
“Dr. Itskovich is a visionary leader who will drive the expansion of cancer programs and services,” he said. “In addition, he brings unique expertise in advanced surgical treatments in his specialty areas, which will benefit cancer patients in our community who previously may have had to travel a distance to access that level of care.”
Itskovich joins CentraState from Hackensack Meridian Health JFK University Edison, where he served as an attending surgeon for hepatobiliary and advanced GI surgery and held other key roles, including assistant director, general surgery; director, hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy program; and surgical lead, Department of Quality and Patient Safety.
“I am thrilled to be at the Statesir Cancer Center, a highly respected, comprehensive community cancer center with a team truly dedicated to quality, personal care for every patient,” he said. “The vision and support of CentraState’s leadership team and board will allow us to build more cancer services to meet the growing needs of the community.”
Dr. James Matera, the chief medical officer at CentraState, said Itskovich will have impact.
“Dr. Itskovich is increasing the breadth and depth of expertise by adding new surgical specialists to the team, broadening patient access to clinical trials and expanding treatment options through CentraState’s unique partnership with Atlantic Health System,” he said.
In addition to English, Itskovich is fluent in Hungarian and Russian.
