Prasad S. Adusumilli, MD, FACS
Dr. Prasad S. Adusumilli is a thoracic surgeon and cellular therapist at the renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He specializes in treating patients with lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, and metastatic cancers to the lung and is skilled in early diagnosis and accurate staging. Dr. Adusumilli also heads a cellular research laboratory focused on developing biological markers to detect cancer at risk of coming back.[1]
Education and Career
After earning his medical degree at Guntur Medical College in India, Dr. Adusumilli traveled to the United Kingdom to complete a surgery residency at Southampton University Hospitals, and then to the United States to complete general surgery residencies at both Maimonides Medical Center and Lenox Hill Hospital.
He followed these with fellowships in cardiothoracic surgery at Maimonides Medical Center, a fellowship in Thoracic Surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and a fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He is Board-certified in both Thoracic Surgery and General Surgery
Dr. Adusumilli is currently a thoracic surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he holds several leadership roles:
- Deputy Chief and Attending, Thoracic Service
- Vice Chair for Translational Research, Department of Surgery
- Co-Director, Mesothelioma Program
- Member, Solid Tumors Cell Therapy, Cellular Therapeutics Center
- Min H. & Yu-Fan C. Kao Chair in Thoracic Cancer
Dr. Adusumilli’s expertise is in the surgical management of cancers of the chest, including mesothelioma. He also specializes in lung cancer, esophageal cancer, thymomas, chest wall tumors, and cancers that have metastasized to the lungs.
Dr. Adusumilli takes a highly personalized approach to his patients’ care. He understands the anxiety that comes with a new diagnosis and takes the time to explain the disease and possible treatment options, as well as risks, benefits, and the expected outcomes.
His study of gene therapies and oncolytic viral therapy, and his work with colleagues in medical and radiation oncology, are geared towards improving outcomes and reducing side effects. He also mentors surgical trainees and research fellows.
Research Interests
Dr. Adusumilli’s research laboratory has been responsible for numerous discoveries about early-stage lung cancer and mesothelioma. His immunotherapy research has led to clinical trials for mesothelioma, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer.[2]
Some of his important work has included leading the development of CAR T-cell therapy, regional delivery of thearpies, and the discovery of Spread of Tumor Through Air Spaces, a new tumor classification.
Dr. Adusumilli’s clinical focus on treating patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma and lung cancers is informed by his unique point of view as a cancer researcher. He ensures patients and their family members that every possible therapy will be considered, with a constant focus on their quality of life.
