Memorial Sloan Kettering Surgeon Prasad S. Adusumilli

Prasad S. Adusumilli, MD, FACS

Thoracic Surgeon

Titles

Deputy Chief and Attending, Thoracic Service; Vice Chair for Translational Research, Department of Surgery; Co-Director, Mesothelioma Program; Head, Solid Tumors Cell Therapy, Cellular Therapeutics Center

Clinical Expertise

Lung Cancer; Mesothelioma; Metastatic Cancers to the Lung; Mediastinal and Chest Wall Tumors; Thymoma; Pleurectomy; Video-assisted thoracic Surgery (VATS); Lobectomy; Robotic Bronchoscopy; Esophageal Cancer; Laparoscopy

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New Patient Appointments

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Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., (Eastern time)
Accepted Insurance Providers

Dr. Adusumilli accepts the following list of insurance providers. Select your insurance provider to see more details.

Aetna

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Aetna Medicare Advantage (City of NY retirees only, starting 9/1/23)

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO, PPO

Blue Cross Blue Shield New York

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO, EPO PPO, POS

Blue Cross Health Plus

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

Carrum Health

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): Supplemental

Cigna

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, HMO

Connecticare

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Emblem Essential

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

Emblem Medicare Advantage

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, HMO

Empire Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, HMO, DSN

Empire Essential

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

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

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO

Fidelis

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO, EPO

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

First Health

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO

Healthfirst

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO, PPO

Healthsmart

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO EPO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO

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

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): EPO

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

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): EPO

Horizon Medicare Advantage

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, HMO

Husky CT Medicaid

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): State Government

Magnacare

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, EPO

Straight NJ Medicaid

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): State Government

Straight NY Medicaid

Payor Type: Medicaid/Managed Medicaid
In Network Coverage Type(s): State Government

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): Federal Government

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): Supplemental

MVP

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO/OAP

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

Payor Type: Other
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

Payor Type: Medicare/Medicare Advantage
In Network Coverage Type(s): TBD

Oscar

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): HMO/EPO

Oxford

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, EPO

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): State Government

Qualcare

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, HMO

Tricare

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, HMO

UMR

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS

United Healthcare

Payor Type: Commercial
In Network Coverage Type(s): PPO, POS, HMO

Contact and Location

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Find a Convenient Location

Memorial Sloan Kettering has locations throughout New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester. These locations offer many services, including screening, chemotherapy, and medical testing.

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About Me

Education

MD, Guntur Medical College, India

Residencies

Surgery - Southampton University Hospitals, UK; General Surgery - Maimonides Medical Center; General Surgery - Lenox Hill Hospital

Fellowships

Cardiothoracic Surgery - Maimonides Medical Center; Thoracic Surgery - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center; Cardiothoracic Surgery - University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Board Certifications

Thoracic Surgery; General Surgery

I am a thoracic surgeon with expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the chest — lung cancer, mesothelioma, thymoma, mediastinal and chest wall tumors, esophageal cancer, and cancers that have spread to the lung and pleura (layers of protective tissue that surround the lungs).

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I see approximately 600 patients annually and have been caring for people with thoracic cancers for the past 15 years. I have expertise in the diagnostic workup needed for the early diagnosis and accurate staging of thoracic cancers, using endoscopic methods such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), robotic bronchoscopy, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).

When newly diagnosed patients and their family members first meet me in the clinic, they are anxious and can be overwhelmed by finding a treatment that will give them the best results and prevent the cancer from coming back. I take the time to explain the key factors that are driving the disease, possible treatment options, the risks and benefits, and the expected short-term and long-term outcomes.

Understanding their anxiety, I meet with patients again to answer their questions before finalizing their care plan. I want them to feel reassured that every possible therapy is being considered and that we are also focused on their quality of life. Not only should they feel confident in their care but they should also be assured they will be treated as a whole person — someone with a family, a job, and a desire not to be defined by their cancer diagnosis.

I work closely with thoracic pathologists, interventional radiologists, and pulmonologists to build a personalized treatment plan for each patient. My highly experienced clinical team, which includes a thoracic nurse and a nurse practitioner, works with me to deliver not only excellent care but also to provide personal attention to the needs of our patients and their family members using all available MSK resources.

As a surgeon-scientist, I have the unique perspective of treating patients in person and studying cancer in the lab. My research focuses on the development of biomarkers for detection of high-risk cancer and gene therapies, such as immunotherapy (enhancing patients’ own immune systems using genetic and cell engineering) and oncolytic viral therapy (killing cancer cells using genetically engineered viruses). I am working with my colleagues in medical and radiation oncology to integrate these therapies to help improve outcomes and preserve quality of life.

My laboratory has led many discoveries about early-stage lung cancer and mesothelioma, and we have successfully translated these findings to benefit patients. At their annual follow-up appointments after surgery, I make sure my patients are aware of these and other important developments that may help them.

Our immunotherapy research has been translated into clinical trials for patients with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer (protocols 15-007, 16-040 and 20-328). This work is supported by the National Cancer Institute, the Department of Defense, the American Association for Cancer Research, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, and several other foundations.

I am also privileged to mentor surgical trainees and research fellows. The high caliber of their training is reflected in their presentations at national and international conferences and submissions to peer-reviewed publications.

In my spare time, I love to write and have published several satirical science fiction articles. I also enjoy cooking for my family and children and traveling internationally, especially visiting friends in rural areas of Europe.

Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Thoracic Service doctors

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.

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Research and Publications

View Dr. Adusumilli's Lab

Adusumilli PS, Zauderer M, Riviere I, …Jones DR, Sadelain M. A phase I trial of regional mesothelin-targeted CAR T-cell therapy in patients with malignant pleural disease, in combination with the anti-PD1 agent pembrolizumab. Cancer Discovery 2021.

Grosser R, Cherkassky L, Chintala NK, Adusumilli PS. Combination immunotherapy with CAR T cells and checkpoint blockade for the treatment of solid tumors. Cancer Cell. 2019;36(5):471-82.

Cherkassky L, Morello A, Villena-Vargas J, Feng Y, Dimitrov DS, Jones DR, Sadelain M, Adusumilli PS. Human CAR T cells with cell-intrinsic PD-1 checkpoint blockade resist tumor-mediated inhibition. J Clin Invest. 2016;126(8):3130-44.

Morello A, Sadelain M, Adusumilli PS. Mesothelin-Targeted CARs: Driving T Cells to Solid Tumors. Cancer Discov. 2016;6(2):133-46.

Kadota K, Nitadori JI, Sima CS, Ujiie H, Rizk NP, Jones DR, Adusumilli PS, Travis WD. Tumor Spread through Air Spaces is an Important Pattern of Invasion and Impacts the Frequency and Location of Recurrences after Limited Resection for Small Stage I Lung Adenocarcinomas. J Thorac Oncol. 2015; 10(5):806-814.

Adusumilli PS, Cherkassky L, Villena-Vargas J, Colovos C, Servais E, Plotkin J, Jones DR, Sadelain M. Regional delivery of mesothelin-targeted CAR T cell therapy generates potent and long-lasting CD4-dependent tumor immunity. Sci Transl Med. 2014;6(261):261ra151.

Nitadori J, Bograd AJ, Kadota K, Sima CS, Rizk NP, Morales EA, Rusch VW, Travis WD, Adusumilli PS. Impact of micropapillary histologic subtype in selecting limited resection vs lobectomy for lung adenocarcinoma of 2 cm or smaller. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2013;105(16):1212-20.

Suzuki K, Kadota K, Sima CS, Nitadori J, Rusch VW, Travis W, Sadelain M, Adusumilli PS. Clinical impact of immune microenvironment in stage I lung adenocarcinoma: tumor IL-12R & IL-7R, and stromal FoxP3/CD3 ratio are independent predictors of recurrence. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(4):490-98.

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.

Prasad S. Adusumilli discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • Atara Biotherapeutics
    Intellectual Property Rights; Provision of Services
  • Bayer
    Provision of Services
  • BioArdis LLC
    Provision of Services
  • CARISMA Therapeutics Inc.
    Provision of Services
  • Emerson Collective
    Provision of Services
  • FirstThought, LLC
    Provision of Services
  • Guidepoint Global Advisors
    Provision of Services
  • ImmPACT Bio USA Inc.
    Provision of Services
  • Imugene Limited
    Provision of Services
  • Johnson & Johnson
    Provision of Services
  • MJH Life Sciences
    Provision of Services
  • Novocure
    Provision of Services
  • Orion Corporation
    Provision of Services
  • Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer
    Provision of Services
  • Takeda Pharmaceuticals
    Provision of Services
  • University of Pittsburgh
    Provision of Services

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 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, 2021 through disclosure submission in spring 2022). 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].


View all disclosures