Dr. Gareth Morris-Stiff is a distinguished surgical oncologist whose career has evolved from clinical practice to pioneering cancer therapeutics development. He previously served as Staff Surgeon in the Section of HPB Surgery at the Digestive Disease & Surgery Institute of the Cleveland Clinic and held an Associate Professorship at the Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University. Trained at the University of Wales College of Medicine with graduation in 1992, he completed advanced surgical training including an MCh and PhD with specialized expertise in hepatic, pancreatic, and biliary cancers. His formative experience included working with Dr. Thomas Starzl, the pioneer of liver transplantation, at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, where he gained foundational expertise in complex hepatobiliary procedures before establishing himself as a leading HPB surgeon.
Dr. Morris-Stiff's research has significantly advanced the understanding and management of gastrointestinal cancers, with particular contributions to the natural history of asymptomatic gallstones and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency following gastrointestinal surgery. His 2023 longitudinal study on asymptomatic gallstones provided a critical prediction model that has reshaped clinical guidelines regarding surgical intervention, demonstrating that most cases require no surgical treatment. His work on exocrine pancreatic insufficiency has highlighted the importance of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in improving patient outcomes, quality of life, and potentially oncological results after pancreatic surgery. These contributions have been instrumental in refining surgical approaches and postoperative care protocols for patients with pancreatic and liver cancers, translating clinical observations into evidence-based practice improvements.
Following his transition from clinical practice at the end of 2019, Dr. Morris-Stiff has dedicated himself to developing novel cancer therapeutics, serving as CEO for one biotechnology company and Chief Medical Officer for another while establishing two additional ventures—Glantaf Biofarma in Cardiff and InCym Biopharma in Cleveland. He has created what he describes as a 'cancer biopharma ecosystem' connecting Wales and the United States, leveraging his decades of surgical experience to inform targeted drug development for pancreatic and liver cancers. Despite working pro bono in this new capacity, he maintains active connections with the medical community as a consultant for Alcresta Therapeutics, Abbvie, and Nestlé Nutrition, sharing his expertise to advance cancer therapies globally. Dr. Morris-Stiff continues to champion innovative approaches to cancer treatment, bridging his clinical background with drug development to create meaningful advances for patients facing these challenging diseases.
