Karen A. Autio, MD, MSc

On the Immunotherapy Service, I evaluate novel immunotherapies for phase I clinical trials and treat patients throughout MSK with different types of metastatic cancer who are participating in these studies. My research also focuses on immunologic strategies for the treatment of metastatic disease. I’ve seen some of the wonderful successes that immunotherapy has achieved in cancers such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma and lung cancer, and I strive to find the right immunotherapy for prostate cancer patients who may benefit from this approach.

For this reason, we offer men with metastatic prostate cancer and those at high risk for disease recurrence access to trials. Our clinical trials for prostate cancer include those that test new agents, imaging techniques, and therapies that target pathways we believe are important in prostate cancer. Some patients perceive clinical trials as a last resort, but this is often not the case. I want to be certain that my patients know all their options, whether it is standard-of-care treatments or a cutting-edge clinical trial.  

On the Genitourinary Service, I’m part of a dedicated team that includes radiation oncologists and surgeons. My colleagues and I take an individual approach to each person’s care. In my clinical practice, I treat men with recurrent and metastatic prostate cancer as well as provide consultation to men with localized disease who are trying to decide upon the most appropriate treatment option for them — for example, choosing between surgery, active surveillance, and radiation therapy.

I chose to work in oncology because I wanted to care for people at a critical time in their lives. I love working at MSK because I believe we’re all here for the right reasons: We feel privileged to care for patients; we’re committed to science, research, and innovation; and we’re proud to offer patients access to the latest and most effective treatments available.