Gary Bucher, M.D.
For over 35 years, Dr. Bucher has been a leader in clinical care and research with HIV/ AIDS patients. He has felt the need to be on the forefront of advances and care for PLWH. Dr. Bucher saw the rates of anal cancer increasing in PLWH, MSM and other high-risk groups.
Dr. Bucher started referring patients for work up for abnormal anal pap smears (anal cytology) to colorectal surgeons. He soon found out that his patients were not getting the appropriate evaluation with high resolution anoscopy (HRA). His patients were examined with a rectal exam and a standard plain anoscopy. Subsequently, they were told that everything was normal when they could have had anal precancer that was not seen because an HRA was not performed. His patients felt a false sense of security that they were being evaluated properly and that all was normal.
Publications and Articles
July 11, 2024
July 9, 2024
May 15, 2024
February 29, 2024
Profiles, Awards, and Honors
Dr. Gary Bucher, MD, FAAFP, is a highly specialized anal health provider and the founder and Medical Director of the Anal Dysplasia Clinic MidWest. His practice specifically focuses on anal health issues related to HPV, catering to both men and women.
Dr. Bucher graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in 1989 and is certified by the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. He also holds a fellowship with the American Academy of Family Physicians. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Bucher serves as a Adjunct Faculty of Family Medicine at Rush Medical College.
Throughout his career, he has shown a strong commitment to the HIV/AIDS community, publishing and presenting research both nationally and internationally since the early days of the epidemic. His clinical interests include treating patients with high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (HSIL), abnormal anal pap smears, anal condyloma, and persistent anal symptoms.
Dr. Bucher has undergone specialized training in the office-based evaluation and treatment of anal HSIL using High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA). He holds Certificates of Proficiency in HRA and the treatment of HSIL. Additionally, he is certified to provide HRA services for clinical trials under the AIDS Clinical Trial Group (ACTG) and the AIDS Malignancy Consortium (AMC).
Research Studies
Current Studies
ANAL CANCER PREVENTION STUDY (ANCHOR Study)
Active, not recruiting, results reported.
The ANCHOR Study is a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-funded study with the primary objective of determining whether treating anal precancer will reduce the incidence of anal cancer in people living with HIV. The ANCHOR Study is the first randomized study to show that treating anal precancer reduces anal cancer by 57%. The ANCHOR Study is no longer enrolling new participants but will continue to follow its current participants through 2024.
Inovio VGX-3100 and Electroporation in treating HIV-positive Patients with Anal High-Grade Intraepithelial Lesions (HSIL)
Active, recruiting.
This study will give you an immunotherapy treatment called VGX-3100 to your to produce specifically designed antigens to stimulate your immune system to produce a special immune (disease-fighting) response to potentially get rid of anal precancer (HSIL) in HIV- positive patients. All study participants will get the same VGX-3100. For details about the eligibility criteria please contact Gary Bucher, MD at 312-623-ANAL or email at [email protected]
Artesunate Suppositories for the Treatment of HIV-negative Patients With Intra-anal HSIL (anal HSIL HIV-)
Active, recruiting.
This study will evaluate the effectiveness of four 5-day cycles of artesunate suppositories in patients with intra-anal precancer (HSIL). For details about the eligibility criteria please contact Gary Bucher, MD at 312-623-2625 or email at [email protected]
Past Research Studies
Inovio Phase 2, Open Label, Study of VGX-3100 Delivered Intramuscularly (IM) Followed by Electroporation (EP) for the Treatment of HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 Related Anal or Anal/Peri- Anal, High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL), (AIN2, AIN3, PAIN2, PAIN3) in Individuals That Are Seronegative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1/2
Completed, results reported.
This study evaluated an immunotherapy treatment called VGX-3100 to stimulate the immune system to produce a special immune (disease-fighting) response to potentially get rid of anal precancer (HSIL) in HIV-negative patients.
Study of Topical ABI-1968 in Subjects With Precancerous Anal Lesions Resulting From Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection
Active, recruiting.
Inovio Phase 2, Open Label, Study of VGX-3100 Delivered Intramuscularly (IM) Followed by Electroporation (EP) for the Treatment of HPV-16 and/or HPV-18 Related Anal or Anal/Peri- Anal, High Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion (HSIL), (AIN2, AIN3, PAIN2, PAIN3) in Individuals That Are Seronegative for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-1/2 Completed.
This study evaluated a topical cream for treating intra-anal precancer.
Abstract Presentations
