Dr. Steven Ahrendt

About Dr. Steven Ahrendt

Dr. Steven Ahrendt is a board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience treating peritoneal mesothelioma and other cancers that affect the abdomen.

He serves as the Director of the Cytoreductive Surgery/HIPEC Program at the University of Colorado Cancer Center, using this treatment combination to help patients potentially live longer after a diagnosis.

Dr. Ahrendt has earned praise from hundreds of patients for his bedside manner and expertise in treating cancer. If you or a mesothelioma patient you love needs care in Colorado, Dr. Ahrendt may be a good choice.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we can help you or a loved one connect with specialists like Dr. Ahrendt after a diagnosis. Use our Free Doctor Match now to get started.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Steven Ahrendt Treat?

Dr. Ahrendt specializes in treating peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer that develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity) and other cancers that need advanced surgical care.

His primary areas of treatment include:

• Peritoneal mesothelioma
• Abdominal malignancies
• Appendiceal cancer
• Colon cancer
• Gastroenterologic cancers
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Peritoneal carcinomatosis
• Sarcoma

Dr. Ahrendt will assess each patient’s unique situation, including their overall health, cancer type and stage, and personal health goals when recommending treatments.

Dr. Steven Ahrendt’s Mesothelioma Treatment Approach

Dr. Ahrendt specializes in cytoreduction with HIPEC when treating patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.

This treatment is a two-part procedure involving:

1. Cytoreductive surgery to remove visible tumors from the abdominal cavity
2. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) delivered directly to the abdomen to kill cancer cells

“It takes tens of thousands of cancer cells to be able to see a tumor with the naked eye, so if there are still small groups of invisible cells floating around in the abdomen, the idea is to deliver a high dose of chemotherapy to kill these remaining cells.”
– Dr. Steven Ahrendt, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist

When used to treat early-stage peritoneal mesothelioma, the outcomes are often encouraging, with many patients living for over 4 years on average.

Dr. Ahrendt also works with other mesothelioma specialists to build unique treatment plans that support each patient’s medical needs and long-term quality of life. These providers may include radiation or medical oncologists, nutritionists, palliative care specialists, and more.

Dr. Steven Ahrendt’s Medical Background

Dr. Ahrendt has devoted his career to treating complex abdominal cancers through advanced surgical oncology.

He graduated from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Medicine in 1987. He later completed an internship, a surgical residency, and a complex general surgical oncology fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Ahrendt previously treated mesothelioma and other gastrointestinal cancers at the University of Pittsburgh before joining the staff at the University of Colorado in 2017.

Today, he serves as Director of Cytoreductive Surgery at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. He’s also a professor of surgery at the university. His work combines patient care, surgical leadership, research, and medical education.

“My goal is to provide personalized and compassionate surgical care to every patient. I also strive to guide and support my patients through their multidisciplinary cancer treatment and survivorship.”
– Dr. Steven Ahrendt, peritoneal mesothelioma specialist

Dr. Ahrendt’s Experience

Dr. Ahrendt has completed extensive training in both surgery and oncology while also serving in leadership positions throughout his career.

His experience includes:

• Professor of surgery at the University of Colorado School of Medicine
• Surgical oncologist at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
• Fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Residency in Surgery at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
• Internship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

His work reflects a longstanding commitment to improving treatment options for patients with rare abdominal cancers.

Highlights of Dr. Steven Ahrendt’s Medical Career

Dr. Steven Ahrendt has spent decades treating patients with cancers like peritoneal mesothelioma, working to improve patient outcomes, and furthering cancer research. He’s also a fellow and member of several national cancer organizations.

Professional Affiliations and Patient Recognition

Dr. Ahrendt is affiliated with several respected organizations focused on surgical oncology and peritoneal cancers.

His professional affiliations include:

• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS)
• Member of the Society of Surgical Oncology
• Member of the American Society of Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
• Member of the Chicago Consensus Working Group for Peritoneal Surface Malignancies

He’s also been consistently praised by patients for his bedside manner. He’s received near-consistent 5-star ratings and earned a Patients’ Top Choice award from U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Steven Ahrendt’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Clinical Research

In addition to caring for patients, Dr. Ahrendt remains actively involved in research focused on improving treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers.

His research work includes:

• Developing treatment guidelines for peritoneal surface malignancies
• Evaluating surgical outcomes to improve future patient care
• Improving cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma
• Supporting multidisciplinary treatment approaches for patients

His research has helped improve the medical understanding of peritoneal mesothelioma. It has also guided the refinement of surgical techniques that continue to shape patient care.

Use our Free Doctor Match for help connecting with Dr. Ahrendt and other mesothelioma specialists near you.

Dr. Steven Ahrendt’s Research & Published Works

Dr. Ahrendt has authored and contributed to studies that focus on peritoneal mesothelioma, cytoreductive surgery, HIPEC, and other advanced treatments for abdominal cancers.

Some publications he’s featured in include:

• Clinical outcomes of urologic reconstruction during cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC: a 13-year single-center experience. Published in International Urology and Nephrology, April 2026.
• ASO Author Reflections: Evolving Surgical Strategies for Treatment of Gastric Cancer with Peritoneal Carcinomatosis. Published in Annals of Surgical Oncology, December 2024.
• Survival Outcomes of Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC in Gastric Adenocarcinoma: A National Cancer Database Study. Published in Annals of Surgical Oncology, December 2024.
• The Chicago Consensus on Peritoneal Surface Malignancies: Management of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Published in Cancer, June 2020.
• Aggressive locoregional management of recurrent peritoneal sarcomatosis. Published in the Journal of Surgical Oncology, March 2013.

Dr. Ahrendt has co-authored studies with other leading mesothelioma specialists, such as Dr. Hedy Lee Kindler, Dr. Richard Alexander, and Dr. Daniel Labow, to give providers around the world a better understanding of the latest advances.

Why Mesothelioma Patients Choose Dr. Steven Ahrendt

Beyond being a highly experienced mesothelioma specialist, Dr. Ahrendt is routinely praised by patients for his good bedside manner.

Patients say he explains complex medical information in ways that are easy to understand, listens to their concerns, and helps them feel confident as they make treatment decisions.

“I really appreciate Dr Ahrendt’s knowledge, professionalism, and honest care for his patients. He consistently explains the ‘why’ behind things, which makes it so much easier!”
– Patient of Dr. Steven Ahrendt

His expertise, along with his focus on clear communication and compassionate care, has made him a trusted specialist for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers.

Get Connected With Dr. Steven Ahrendt

Finding the right specialist is an important part of developing a treatment plan for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Dr. Steven Ahrendt is well known for his use of treatments like cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma and other abdominal cancers, helping more patients live longer and with a better quality of life.

Mesothelioma Hope helps connect patients with experienced mesothelioma doctors, leading treatment centers, and support resources across the country.

Use our Free Doctor Match or call (866) 608-8933 to connect with Dr. Steven Ahrendt or other mesothelioma specialists and learn more about your treatment options.