- Specialty Pleural Mesothelioma
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University of Vermont Medical Center
Address:111 Colchester Avenue
Burlington, VT 05401
Telephone: (802) 847-3506 - Procedure Radiation Therapy
Dr. Christopher Anker
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Christopher Anker is a radiation oncologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center with experience treating a range of cancers. He combines patient care with clinical research to help improve cancer treatment. Learn more about Dr. Anker and get help connecting with him today.
or call (866) 608-8933
Overview
About Dr. Christopher Anker
Dr. Christopher J. Anker is a radiation oncologist with experience treating mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers. Radiation oncologists specialize in using radiation therapy to destroy cancer cells, shrink tumors, and relieve symptoms.
Radiation therapy for mesothelioma may come before surgery, after surgery, or alongside chemotherapy and immunotherapy, depending on the patient. Dr. Anker works with a multidisciplinary cancer team at the University of Vermont Medical Center to help patients make decisions that align with their goals and needs.
Dr. Anker’s cancer care team includes:
- Medical oncologists
- Nutrition specialists
- Oncology nurses
- Palliative care specialists
- Pulmonologists
- Thoracic surgeons
This team approach brings specialists together to coordinate treatment, manage symptoms, and support patients through recovery.
Connect with Dr. Anker or a mesothelioma specialist in your area through our Free Doctor Match.
What Health Conditions Does Dr. Christopher Anker Treat?
Dr. Anker uses radiation therapy to treat many types of cancer. Radiation therapy may also be used for some patients with mesothelioma.
His areas of care include:
- Pleural mesothelioma: An aggressive cancer of the lung lining caused by asbestos exposure
- Lung cancer: Abnormal cell growth in the lungs that can spread to nearby tissues or other organs
- Brain metastases: Cancer that has spread to the brain from another part of the body
- Central nervous system cancers: Tumors affecting the brain or spinal cord
- Esophageal cancer: A tumor of the esophagus, the tube connecting the throat and stomach
- Gastrointestinal cancers: A group of cancers affecting the stomach, intestines, and other digestive organs
Dr. Anker works closely with other specialists on his cancer team to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient.
“I believe in empowering patients to make treatment decisions that best fit their specific care goals.”
– Dr. Christopher J. Anker, radiation oncologist
Dr. Christopher J. Anker’s Approach to Radiation Treatment
Radiation therapy can play an important role in a patient’s overall mesothelioma treatment plan. Depending on the patient’s diagnosis, it may be used to destroy cancer cells, relieve symptoms, or improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
Dr. Anker considers factors such as the patient’s overall health and cancer stage before recommending radiation.
Mesothelioma treatment options outside of radiation may include:
- Chemotherapy: Kills cancer cells and may be combined with radiation in some cases
- Clinical trials: Provide access to promising new treatment approaches
- Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells
- Multidisciplinary care: Uses multiple treatments to destroy as much of the cancer as possible
Dr. Anker’s treatment plans are personalized to provide effective care while supporting each patient’s quality of life.
Download our Free Doctor Questions Checklist to help guide treatment discussions at your next medical appointment.
Dr. Christopher Anker’s Medical Background
Dr. Anker has dedicated his career to advancing radiation oncology while helping patients make informed treatment decisions.
He earned his medical degree from SUNY Upstate Medical University, then completed an internship in internal medicine at SUNY Upstate Medical Center. He completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of Utah, where he later joined the faculty as an assistant professor and served on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Melanoma Committee.
In 2014, Dr. Anker joined the University of Vermont’s Division of Radiation Oncology. Today, he works as a Professor at the Larner College of Medicine and treats patients at the University of Vermont Medical Center, where he remains active in clinical research and national cancer organizations.
Dr. Anker’s Work Experience
Dr. Anker has completed advanced training in radiation oncology and has held academic leadership positions throughout his career.
His experience includes:
- Radiation oncologist at the University of Vermont Medical Center
- Professor at the Larner College of Medicine
- Assistant professor at the University of Utah
- Residency in radiation oncology at the University of Utah
- Member of multidisciplinary lung, gastrointestinal, melanoma, central nervous system, and head and neck cancer teams
Dr. Anker brings years of experience treating patients, training doctors, and working with cancer care teams.
Highlights of Dr. Christopher Anker’s Medical Career
Dr. Anker’s career spans clinical care, research, education, and leadership in radiation oncology. He is board-certified in radiation oncology and serves as Associate Director for the University of Vermont’s gastrointestinal cancer team.
Awards and Accolades
Dr. Anker has earned recognition for his teaching and research contributions throughout his career.
His notable awards and honors include:
- Educator of the Year, University of Utah radiation oncology residents, 2014
- John Bernard Henry, M.D. Endowed Scholarship Award for excellence in research and service
These honors reflect his commitment to both mentorship and research within radiation oncology.
Professional Affiliations
Dr. Anker remains active in several professional organizations dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and radiation oncology.
His affiliations include:
- American Radium Society (ARS)
- American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO)
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
- NRG Oncology
Through these organizations, Dr. Anker collaborates with fellow specialists to help improve standards of care and advance cancer treatment research.
Dr. Christopher Anker’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Clinical Research
In addition to caring for cancer patients, Dr. Anker helps advance treatment through clinical trials, research, and national collaborations. Much of his work explores ways to reduce treatment intensity while maintaining survival and quality of life.
His research interests include:
- Combining radiation and immunotherapy for brain metastases
- Developing radiation guidelines for skin cancers
- Monitoring slow-growing lung cancer before treatment
- Preparing radiation oncology teams for cyberattacks
- Reducing treatment intensity while maintaining survival
This research reflects Dr. Anker’s broader work evaluating radiation and other treatment approaches for patients with cancer.
Use our Free Doctor Match to speak with Dr. Anker or another oncologist about clinical trials that may fit your needs.
Dr. Christopher Anker’s Research and Published Works
Dr. Anker’s published work addresses key challenges in cancer care, from treatment planning to protecting radiation services during cyberattacks.
Examples of his published research include:
- Radiation Therapy for Gastric Cancer: An ASTRO Clinical Practice Guideline. Published in Practical Radiation Oncology, March 2026.
- Executive Summary of the American Radium Society on Appropriate Use Criteria for Nonoperative Management of Rectal Adenocarcinoma: Systematic Review and Guidelines. Published in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, November 2024.
- Impact of and Response to Cyberattacks in Radiation Oncology. Published in Advances in Radiation Oncology, September 2022.
- Development of Rapid Response Plan for Radiation Oncology in Response to Cyberattack. Published in Advances in Radiation Oncology, January 2021.
“The primary focus of my research addresses how to improve patient quality of life through decreasing treatment intensity and/or duration while maintaining the same survival and cancer control outcomes.”
– Dr. Christopher J. Anker, radiation oncologist
His publications reflect experience across several areas of radiation oncology and cancer treatment.
Get Connected With Dr. Christopher Anker
Dr. Christopher Anker is recognized for his expertise in radiation oncology, clinical research, and patient-centered cancer care.
Through his work at the University of Vermont Medical Center, he collaborates closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, and other specialists to help patients understand their options and receive personalized treatment.
Our Patient Advocates are here to help you navigate your mesothelioma diagnosis with confidence. Use our Free Doctor Match or call (866) 608-8933 to connect with specialists in your area and explore your treatment options.
Mesothelioma Hope has no affiliation with and is not endorsed or sponsored by Dr. Christopher Anker. Any contact information listed is for informational purposes only. You have the right to contact Dr. Christopher Anker directly.
Content You Can Trust
Jenna Tozzi, RN, is the Chief Patient Care Advisor for Mesothelioma Hope. With more than 15 years of experience as an adult and pediatric oncology nurse navigator, Jenna provides exceptional guidance and support to cancer patients and their loved ones. Jenna has been featured in Oncology Nursing News and is a member of the Academy of Oncology Nurse & Patient Navigators & the American Nurses Association.
