Joseph P. Erinjeri, MD, PhD

The first experience most patients have with an interventional radiologist is during either a biopsy (to diagnose cancer) or a mediport placement (to begin chemotherapy). Unlike open surgical biopsies, which require a surgical incision, the biopsies I perform are done using a tiny acupuncture-like needle. Nearly all patients go home the same day, and a diagnosis is usually made within two to three days after the biopsy. During mediport placement, I work with each individual’s body and needs to place a mediport that allows effective delivery of chemotherapy through a small, cosmetically pleasing device.

I am recognized nationally and internationally for my expertise in image-guided thermal ablation of tumors, a technique that involves heating or cooling tumors to temperatures that kill tumor cells while preserving the surrounding normal tissue. I lecture extensively on thermal ablation, and have published papers on the subject. In addition, I am the principal investigator on a study investigating the mechanisms by which thermal ablation kills tumor cells. I have a particular interest in the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma, and am a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Soft Tissue Sarcoma Disease Management Team. As a member of this team, I collaborate with the best minds at Memorial Sloan Kettering to ensure I am providing the optimal therapy for sarcoma patients.

My goal as an interventional oncologist is to provide the best patient-care experience possible. Because interventional radiology procedures are performed using image guidance, an important component of each clinic visit is to review the new scans that guide your care. I demand excellence of myself and my staff, and I focus on providing care that is appropriate, thoughtful, and best serves the needs of my patient.