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Memorial Sloan Kettering Surgeon David R. Jones

David R. Jones, MD

Thoracic Surgeon

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Lung cancer
  • Esophageal cancers and conditions
  • Germ cell tumors

My Specialties

  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
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Dr. Jones's Office Information
Languages: English
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Get to Know Me

I am a thoracic surgeon who has been caring for people with cancers of the chest for more than 24 years. I have expertise diagnosing and treating lung cancer, esophageal cancer, tumors of the mediastinum (thymus gland and germ cell tumors), and tumors that have metastasized (spread) to the lung from other parts of the body.

In addition to serving as Chief of Thoracic Surgery, I am the Co-Director of the Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Executive Vice-Chair for the Department of Surgery.

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I am committed to improving the quality of care and outcomes for every person who receives thoracic surgery at MSK. I often meet with patients here and around the world who request second or third opinions regarding the best treatment options for their disease.

Each year, I see roughly 1,350 patients and perform more than 350 operations. Whenever possible, I use minimally invasive techniques such as video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). These technologies permit the surgeon to make smaller and fewer incisions (cuts) during the operation, often resulting in patients having less pain and a faster recovery. I was one of the first thoracic surgeons in the United States to develop expertise in these techniques.

I am also involved in several clinical trials in the U.S. and internationally. We are studying whether adding immunotherapy and targeted therapy to surgery will improve outcomes for people with lung and esophageal cancers that can be surgically removed.

Being diagnosed with cancer is overwhelming. When patients and caregivers meet with me, I hope they leave with a sense of hope about their future. I want them to know that I, together with a whole team of cancer experts, will do our best to take good care of them.

Most patients are concerned about how cancer may impact how long they will live and how treatment will affect their quality of life. I take the time to tailor a care plan that increases our chances of curing a person’s cancer while lessening the possible complications and side effects of surgery, such as pain, infection, or reduced lung function. When appropriate, the plan may also include the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial.

I became interested in thoracic cancer surgery during my residency when I was in the laboratory studying how lung and esophageal cancers develop into aggressive tumors. Today, my research focuses on studying the actions of specific genes and proteins that lead to cancer metastases in people with early-stage lung and esophageal cancers.

We are also identifying the genetics of tumor tissue and blood and use it to guide therapy, estimate the risk of the cancer coming back, and better understand the biology of these cancers. In addition, our group has been a pioneer in studying the effects of certain treatments before surgery, such as immunotherapy and other therapies that target molecules involved in cancer growth.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, reading books, good wine, and spending time with friends and family. I have two amazing daughters and a wife who enjoy travel as much as I do. We have been to many places in Asia and Europe but are always planning the next trip.

What I Do at MSK

A thoracic (thor-A-sik) surgeon is a doctor with special training in surgery for the chest, lungs, airway, esophagus (swallowing tube), and thymus. They are also known as a chest surgeon.

  • Chief, Thoracic Service, Department of Surgery
  • Co-Director, Druckenmiller Center for Lung Cancer Research
  • Fiona and Stanley Druckenmiller Chair in Lung Cancer
  • Executive Vice-Chair, Department of Surgery
Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Lung cancer
  • Esophageal cancers and conditions
  • Germ cell tumors
  • Thymic carcinoma
  • Lung metastases
  • Mediastinal tumors
  • Tracheal and bronchial cancers and conditions

My Specialties

  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS)
  • Endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS)
Education & Honors

Education

  • MD, West Virginia University

Residencies

  • General Surgery - West Virginia University
  • Thoracic Surgery - University of North Carolina

Fellowships

  • Molecular Oncology - University of North Carolina

Board Certifications

  • General Surgery
  • Thoracic Surgery

Awards and Honors

  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2025)
  • President, American Association for Thoracic Surgery (2024)
  • Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
  • Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
  • Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2006-2023)
  • National Cancer Institute, Board of Scientific Counselors (2019-2024)
  • President, Southern Thoracic Surgical Association (2016-2017)
  • Chair, Tumor Progression Metastasis Study Section, National Cancer Institute (2014-2016)
  • West Virginia University School of Medicine Distinguished Alumnus (2013)
  • American Association for Cancer Research Career Development Award for Translational Lung Cancer Research (2001)

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA and NYC retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Anthem BCBS and other BCBS licensee plans

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

See updates

Anthem BCBS Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

See updates

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

See updates

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Metroplus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

City Employee Health Plans (Gold and Gold Care)

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Don't see your carrier or plan? We can help you understand your coverage.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

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Current Patients
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Contact and Location

Dr. Jones sees patients at two locations.

Office Phone
Location
New York, NY
David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
530 East 74th Street New York NY 10021
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue New York NY 10065
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Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.

Clinical Trials

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Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

Search clinical trials

Research and Publications

View Dr. Jones's Lab

Kiankhooy A, Taylor MD, LaPar D, Isbell JM, Kozower BD, Lau CL, Jones DR. Predictors of early recurrence for node-negative T1-T2b non-small cell lung cancer. Ann Thorac Surgery 2014;98(4):1175-83.

Liu Y, Amin EB, Mayo MW, Chudgar NP, Bucciarelli PR, Kadota K, Adusumilli PS, Jones DR. CK2α’ drives lung cancer metastasis by targeting BRMS1 nuclear export and degradation. Cancer Res 2016;76:2675-86.

Chudgar NP, Brennan MF, Munhoz RR, Bucciarelli PR, Tan KS, D’Angelo SP, Bains MS, Bott M, Huang J, Park BP, Rusch VR, Adusumilli PS, Jones DR. Pulmonary metastasectomy with curative intent for soft tissue sarcoma. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2017;154:319-30.

Jones DR. Bending the curve: the importance of expertise. Ann Thorac Surg 2018;103:1287-93.

Brandt WS, Yan W, Tan KS, Bains MS, Park BJ, Adusumilli PS, Huang J, Bott MJ, Rusch VW, Molena D, Isbell JM, Sihag S, Chaft JE, Kris MG, Jones DR. Outcomes after neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for cT2-4N0-1 non-small cell lung cancer: A propensity-matched analysis. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019;157(2):743-753.

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Brandt W, Bouadallah I, Tan KS, Park BJ, Adusumilli PS, Molena D, Bains MS, Huang J, Isbell JM, Bott M, Jones DR. Predictors of distant recurrence following R0 lobectomy for pN0 lung adenocarcinoma. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018;155:1212-24.

Forde PM, Chaft JE, Smith KN, Anagnostou V, Cottrell TR, Hellmann MD, Yang SC, Jones DR, Broderick SR, Battafarano R, Rekhtman N, Olah Z, Naidoo J, Marrone KA, Verde F, Guo H, Caushi J, Chan HY, Scharpf RB, White J, Gabrielson E, Zahurak M, Rosner G, Rusch V, Wolchok JD, Merghoub T, Taube JM, Velculescu VE, Topalian SL, Brahmer JR, Pardoll DM. Neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in resectable lung cancer. N Engl J Med 2018;378:1976-86.

Caso R, Jones GD, Bains MS, Hsu M, Tan KS, Feldman DR, Funt SA, Reuter VE, Gaetano Rocco G, Jones DR. Outcomes following multidisciplinary management of primary mediastinal germ cell tumors. Ann Surg 2021 (online ahead of print).

Caso R, Jones GD, Tan KS, Bosl GJ, Funt SA, Sheinfeld J, Reuter VE, Amar D, Fischer G, Molena D, Rocco G, Bains MS, Feldman DR, Jones DR. Thoracic metastasectomy in germ cell tumor patients treated with first-line versus salvage therapy. Ann Thorac Surg 2021;111(4):1141-1149.

Caso R, Sanchez-Vega F, Tan KS, Mastrogiacomo B, Zhou J, Jones GD, Nguyen B, Schultz N, Connolly JG, Brandt WS, Bott MJ, Rocco G, Molena D, Isbell JM, Liu Y, Mayo MW, Adusumilli PS, Travis WD, Jones DR. The underlying tumor genomics of predominant histologic subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma. J Thorac Oncol 2020;15:1844-56.

Jones GD, Brandt WS, Shen R, Sanchez-Vega F, Tan KS, Martin A, Zhou J, Berger M, Solit DS, Rizvi H, Liu Y, Adamski A, Chaft J, Riely G, Rocco G, Bott MJ, Travis WD, Rekhtman N, Molena D, Adusumilli PS, Imielinski M, Li B, Jones DR. A genomic-pathologic annotated risk model to predict recurrence in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. JAMA Surg 2021;156(2):e205601.

Chudgar NP, Jones DR. Thoracoscopic lobectomy after neoadjuvant tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment. JTCVS Tech. 2021 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.xjtc.2021.02.005.

Jones DR, Wu YL, Tsuboi M, Herbst RS. Targeted therapies for resectable lung adenocarcinoma: ADAURA opens for thoracic oncologic surgeons. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2021;162:288-92.

Jones GD, Caso R, Tan KS, Mastrogiacomo B, Sanchez-Vega F, Liu Y, Connolly JG, Murciano-Goroff Y, Bott MJ, Adusumilli PS, Molena D, Rocco G, Rusch VW, Misale S, Yaeger R, Drilon A, Arbour KC, Riely GJ, Rosen N, Lito P, Zhang H, Lyden DC, Rudin CM, Jones DR, Li BT, Isbell JM. KRASG12C mutation is associated with increased risk of recurrence in surgically resected lung adenocarcinoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021;27:2604-12.

Jones DR. Neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in surgically resectable non-small cell lung cancer:surgical expertise required. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2021;60(1):88-90

Gray KD, Jones DR. Video Atlas: Fissureless VATS right lower lobectomy after induction chemotherapy. JTCVS Tech 2023;18:121-29

Lengel HB, Zheng J, Tan KS, Liu CC, Park BJ, Rocco G, Adusumilli PS, Molena D, Yu HA, Riely GJ, Bains MS, Rusch VW, Kris MG, Chaft JE, Li BT, Isbell JM, Jones DR. Clinicopathologic outcomes of preoperative targeted therapy in patients with clinical stage I-III non-small cell lung cancer. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023;165:1682-93.

Altorki NK, Wang X, Kozono D, Watt C, Landreneau R, Wigle D, Port J, Jones DR, Conti M, Ashrafi A, Liberman M, Yasufuku K, Yang S, Mitchell JD, Pass H, Keenan R, Bauer T, Miller D, Kohman LJ, Stinchcombe T, Vokes E. Lobar or sublobar resection for peripheral clinical stage IA non-small cell lung cancer. N Engl J Med 2023; 388:489-98

Rosner S, Reuss JE, Zahurak M, Taube J, Valsamo Anagnostou V, Smith KN, Riemer J, Illei PB, Broderick SR, Jones DR, Topalian SL, Pardoll DW, Brahmer JR, Chaft JE, Forde PM. Five-year clinical outcomes after neoadjuvant nivolumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2023;29:705-10

Lengel HB, Mastrogiacomo B, Connolly JG, Tan KS, Liu Y, Fick CN, Dunne EG, He D, Lankadasari MB, Satravada BA, Sun Y, Kundra R, Fong C, Riely GJ, Rudin CM, Gomez DR, Solit DB, Berger MF, Li BT, Mayo MW, Matei I, Lyden DC, Adusumilli PS, Schultz N, Sanchez-Vega F, Jones DR. Genomic mapping of metastatic organotropism in lung adenocarcinoma. Cancer Cell 2023;41:970-85.

Dunne EG, Fick CN, Jones DR. Mediastinal staging in non-small cell lung cancer: saying goodbye to mediastinoscopy. J Clin Oncol 2023 (in press).

Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

David R. Jones discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • AstraZeneca
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Dava Oncology
    Professional Services and Activities
  • Merck & Co Inc.
    Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)
  • MORE Health, Inc
    Professional Services and Activities

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.

This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].


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