Pashtoon Kasi has been appointed as the new Red Family Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Oncology

City of Hope Orange County, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, has appointed Pashtoon Kasi, a renowned medical oncologist and researcher, as Red Family Endowed Chair in Gastrointestinal Oncology. The endowed chair is considered one of the highest academic honors, awarded to faculty members who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and impact in research, clinical care, and education.

City of Hope Orange County, is one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States. The institution is a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and is ranked among the top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.

Dr. Kasi announced the news on LinkedIn, stating:

“Making it official! Adding this to my signature line.”

Academic and Clinical Expertise of Pashtoon Kasi

Pashtoon Kasi joined the City of Hope Orange County in 2024 and is the Medical Director of of GI Medical Oncology, City of Hope Orange County.

Before joining the City of Hope, Dr. Kasi was an oncologist and researcher at Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where he served as the Director of Colorectal Cancer Research and the Precision Medicine Director for Liquid Biopsy Research at the Englander Institute for Precision Medicine. His clinical and research expertise is focused on gastrointestinal cancers and the development of novel drug therapies through early-phase clinical trials.

Dr. Kasi is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), the American Society of Hematology (ASH), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). He also chairs the Communications Committee for the International Society of Liquid Biopsy.

His research is pioneering in the field of “liquid biopsies,” particularly in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). He focuses on advancing precision oncology through clinical trials, and he has authored and edited several books, including “Research: What, Why and How: A Treatise from Researchers to Researchers” and “Impact of Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancies.”

In 2024, Dr. Kasi received the Yvonne Award in the Challenging the Status Quo category by OncoDaily. This award honors individuals who challenge conventional norms in cancer care, introducing innovative and transformative approaches that drive progress in oncology treatment and patient outcomes.

Dr. Kasi earned his medical degree from Aga Khan University (AKU) in 2006 and completed a year-long internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio (UTHSCSA) in 2009. He pursued his residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at the Mayo Clinic in 2016.

Dr. Kasi’s appointment as Medical Director of GI Oncology at the City of Hope Orange County brings valuable expertise to the institution. His experience in precision oncology will contribute to the ongoing efforts in advancing cancer care and research.

You can read more about Pashtoon Kasi’s career and achievements in OncoDaily’s article “Oncologist Near Me – Pashtoon Kasi: Pioneering Cancer Specialist.”