Elizabeth Comen, MD
Breast Oncologist
My Role at MSKWe post reviews for MSK healthcare providers who have at least 30 patient experience surveys completed. If you do not see reviews for a provider, it may be because they do not yet have enough survey responses, or the provider may not be part of the group of healthcare providers included in the survey.
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About Me
- Assistant Attending Physician
I am a medical oncologist with expertise in treating all stages of breast cancer in people of all ages, including young women who have unique concerns about fertility.
Over the years, I have learned how terrifying a breast cancer diagnosis can be for my patients and their families. My practice is focused on providing personalized, compassionate care that is based on the most up-to-date research, diagnostic tools, and therapies. My patients, along with a team of experts from many different departments across Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), are my most important partners in developing treatment plans.
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Since college, I have never wavered in my choice of becoming a breast medical oncologist. A volunteer opportunity at a hospital boutique helping women with wigs and breast prostheses taught me that a patient’s experience with breast cancer encompasses so much more than just the biology of the disease. At the same time, some of my family members were affected by cancer, and I was fortunate to be exposed to leaders in the field. These experiences led me to work in a lab, where I studied the estrogen receptor. I was — and continue to be — fascinated by the science and ever-changing advances of breast cancer.
My research focuses on improving how we identify, prevent, and treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. I work to understand the environment in which cancer grows and how the immune system can play an important role in cancer development. I am also leading a clinical trial aimed at mobilizing the immune system to attack cancer early on in a patient’s diagnosis.
When patients first meet with me, they often feel as though the rug has been pulled right out from under them. One of the first things I ask is what they are most afraid of. Everyone is unique in their fears, so addressing those fears as well as needs and treatment goals helps us work together to create the most effective care plan.
At the end of each appointment, I hope each patient feels that they have been heard, understands their diagnosis, and is confident in the treatment plan we’ve created together. I also want them to know that they are not alone — we are here to help.
Beyond clinical care, I am passionate about communicating essential medical and scientific information to the public, particularly as it relates to women’s healthcare and wellness. I also have had the privilege of mentoring countless students throughout their academic and medical careers.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three young children. I also enjoy exercise such as running, yoga, dancing — you name it, I’ve tried it!
A breast oncologist is a doctor with special training in breast cancer.
My Specialties
- Breast Cancer
Education
- MD, Harvard Medical School
Residencies
- Mount Sinai Medical Center (New York)
Awards and Honors
- Castle Connolly: America’s Top Doctor (2024)
- Top Doctors New York Metro Area, Castle Connolly (2023)
- Castle Connolly: America's Top Doctors (2017-2023)
- ASCO Merit Award
- Young Investigator Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation (ASCO)
- Breast Cancer Breakthrough Award, Department of Defense
- The Lambert Foundation Award, Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Fellowships
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Board Certifications
- Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
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.
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO
MSK has a tentative agreement with Cigna to continue coverage in 2024.
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
PPO
In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS
Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
EPO
In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government
In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO
In Network Coverage Type
State Government
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.
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New Patients
Current Patients
Contact and Location
Dr. Comen sees patients at one location.
Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.
Colleagues
Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. I work closely with nurses, nurse practitioners, other doctors, and many other experts. We combine our expertise to provide comprehensive care to our patients at every step of their cancer journey.
Clinical Trials
- Clinical Trials Co-Investigated by Dr. Comen
- A Phase 1 Study of Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy and Cryoablation in People With Advanced Breast Cancer
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 trialsResearch and Publications
Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Comen’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.
See all on PubMedPatient Reviews
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