Dr. W. Charles Conway

About Dr. W. Charles Conway

Charles Conway is a board-certified surgical oncology specialist with a focus on mesothelioma and gastrointestinal cancers. He has extensive experience treating peritoneal mesothelioma and other diseases affecting the abdominal organs and the digestive system.

As Director of Surgical Oncology, Dr. Conway has been providing mesothelioma treatment at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center in Santa Barbara, California, since 2017. He previously spent 8 years with Ochsner Cancer Institute in New Orleans, where he performed the first totally robotic surgery for pancreatic cancer in Louisiana.

His work centers on delivering personalized mesothelioma treatment that combines surgery, chemotherapy, and emerging therapies. He collaborates with other mesothelioma doctors to ensure patients receive comprehensive care.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Conway Treat?

Dr. Conway treats cancers that can be difficult to manage and may require surgery as a key part of treatment. These conditions call for precise tumor removal and careful planning before and after surgery.

His primary areas of focus include:

• Peritoneal mesothelioma: Cancer in the abdominal lining caused by asbestos exposure
• Pancreatic cancer: A complex cancer that may require advanced surgery
• Other abdominal cancers: Including tumors in the digestive system

Because these cancers can affect different parts of the body, Dr. Conway works closely with medical oncologists, radiologists, and other specialists. This team approach helps make sure every part of a patient’s medical care is clearly planned.

Dr. W. Charles Conway’s Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment

Dr. Conway specializes in the treatment of mesothelioma using advanced surgical oncology techniques.

His mesothelioma treatment approach includes:

• Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC: Removing visible tumors before circulating warm chemotherapy inside the abdomen during surgery to kill remaining cancer cells
• Peritonectomy: Removing parts of the abdominal lining where the cancer has spread

Dr. Conway also evaluates mesothelioma patients for minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery when appropriate. His goal is to reduce side effects while improving survival and quality of life.

“We try to make sure that when we see patients, we work on quality of life. It’s nice to be able to get somebody back into their routine doing stuff they like.”
– Dr. W. Charles Conway, mesothelioma specialist

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Dr. W. Charles Conway’s Medical Background

Charles Conway, MD, grew up in Michigan and began his medical training at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit. He completed his general surgery residency at Wayne State and the Detroit Medical Center, gaining hands-on experience caring for patients with a wide range of serious conditions.

During his residency, he also spent a year in a translational research lab studying how colon cancer cells attach and spread. This early research experience helped shape his understanding of how cancer develops and how it can be treated more effectively.

After completing his surgical training, Dr. Conway moved on to a surgical oncology fellowship at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. This included broad training in cancer surgery, along with experience in treating gastroesophageal cancers at the University of Southern California and liver and pancreatic cancers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

Highlights of Dr. W. Charles Conway’s Medical Career

Dr. W. Charles Conway has been recognized for his contributions to mesothelioma treatment and surgical oncology. As one of the top mesothelioma doctors in the field, he continues to improve treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Conway has earned recognition from both his peers and the institutions he has worked with. These honors reflect his experience in treating mesothelioma as well as his role in teaching and mentoring other physicians.

His recognitions include:

• Castle Connolly Regional Top Doctor
• Outstanding Clinical Faculty Award

These awards show that other physicians trust his judgment and look to him as both a skilled surgeon and an educator.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Conway remains active in the medical community through organizations focused on surgery and cancer care. These roles help him stay up to date on best practices and stay connected with other mesothelioma specialists.

His professional affiliations include:

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
• Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• Trustee with the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara

Dr. Conway is committed to maintaining high standards in surgery while supporting cancer care efforts beyond the operating room.

Dr. W. Charles Conway’s Cancer Research and Published Works

Dr. Conway has taken part in research focused on improving how doctors treat cancers in the abdomen. His work looks at ways to combine surgery with systemic therapies to better target cancer and support recovery after treatment.

His research has contributed to areas such as:

• Treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma, including approaches that focus directly on the abdominal cavity
• Surgical techniques and patient outcomes, with an emphasis on improving recovery and long-term results
• Combining surgery with chemotherapy, including methods that deliver treatment during surgery

One of his published works examines the use of cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) for cancers that spread within the abdomen. This research has helped guide how doctors approach peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

If you’re interested in learning more about clinical trials, our team can help. Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Conway and explore what may be available to you.

Get Help Starting Treatment With Dr. W. Charles Conway

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to find the right specialist. Getting connected with an experienced surgeon can make a real difference when it comes to your prognosis and quality of life.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we help patients access treatment from top specialists like Dr. Conway. Our Patient Advocates are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the next step.

Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Conway and learn more about your treatment options.