SUMMARY
David J. Cangemi, M.D., specializes in gastrointestinal motility disorders and disorders of brain-gut interaction (functional bowel disorders). His research interests include identifying novel pathophysiologic mechanisms and treatments for functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, specifically. In addition to clinical research, Dr. Cangemi has authored or co-authored many review articles and book chapters pertaining to motility and functional bowel disorders.
Focus areas
- Functional dyspepsia. Dr. Cangemi leads a prospective study assessing the relevance of increased intestinal permeability in patients with functional dyspepsia. Additionally, he leads a prospective study assessing the effectiveness of virtual reality to treat symptoms of functional dyspepsia.
- Gastroparesis. Dr. Cangemi leads a prospective study assessing the relevance of increased intestinal permeability in patients with gastroparesis.
Significance to patient care
Functional dyspepsia is a common disorder of brain-gut interaction that is estimated to affect 10% to 20% of the population, with characteristic symptoms of abdominal pain, fullness, early satiety, nausea or bloating. Despite being a prevalent disorder, the exact causes of functional dyspepsia remain incompletely defined, and effective and safe treatment options are lacking. Similarly, gastroparesis causes symptoms of abdominal pain, fullness, early satiety, nausea, vomiting or bloating, which can be quite debilitating to those who are affected. Dr. Cangemi's research aims to improve treatment for these disorders through a better understanding of their pathophysiology.
As a motility disorder — defined by delayed stomach emptying — gastroparesis is less common than functional dyspepsia. However, gastroparesis also remains incompletely understood and lacks effective and safe treatment options. Through his research, Dr. Cangemi hopes to identify novel pathophysiologic mechanisms pertaining to functional dyspepsia and gastroparesis, with an aim to ultimately identify new effective and safe treatment options for patients affected by these historically vexing disorders.