Pashtoon Kasi has started a new position as Medical Director GI Medical Oncology at City of Hope Orange County

Pashtoon Kasi is renowned for his innovative work in liquid biopsies and precision medicine. Previously, he served as the Director of Colon Cancer and Precision Medicine Research at Weill Cornell Medicine, where he focused on developing cutting-edge research and clinical trials aimed at enhancing cancer diagnostics and treatment options.

In his new role at City of Hope, Dr. Kasi will lead efforts to implement advanced treatment strategies and foster a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, ensuring that patients receive the most effective and personalized therapies available.

“Towards better patient care, development of novel therapies, education, science, and improved outcomes.”

About Pashtoon Kasi

Education and Postdoctoral Training

Dr. Kasi earned his medical degree from Aga Khan University (AKU) in Pakistan in 2006. He undertook a year-long internship at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA) in 2009. Following this, Dr. Kasi pursued his residency at the International Scholars Program (ISP) at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC).

He completed a fellowship in oncology and hematology at the Mayo Clinic in 2016, where he also obtained a post-doctoral master’s degree from the Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education (MSGME) in clinical and translational sciences. During his fellowship from 2013 to 2016, Dr. Kasi was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Oncology and Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Mayo Clinic, a recognition of his exceptional research and academic achievements.

Professional Positions and Employment

Before joining Weill Cornell Medicine, Dr. Kasi held positions at various institutions. He served as an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Iowa in 2021. Before that, he worked as an Assistant Professor of Medicine and Oncology at both the University of Iowa from 2019 to 2021 and the Mayo Clinic from 2016 to 2019.

Dr. Kasi is affiliated with several professional organizations, such as 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). Dr. Kasi chairs the International Society of Liquid Biopsy’s Communications Committee.

Dr. Kasi’s research specializes in “liquid biopsies” involving circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). He focuses on developing and conducting clinical trials in precision oncology and precision medicine. Dr. Kasi 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.”

“Never too soon to be talking about clinical trials.”

With over 100 publications in leading peer-reviewed journals, he has also been actively involved as a principal investigator in numerous investigator-initiated, industry-sponsored, and cooperative group clinical trials in oncology.

Honors and Awards

In 2024 Pashtoon Kasi was awarded with Yvonne Award in the Challenging the Status Quo category. This award by OncoDaily is presented to individuals who have courageously challenged conventional practices, introducing groundbreaking approaches that transform cancer care. It celebrates resilient and innovative leaders who inspire change and foster advancements in oncology treatment and patient care.

Other awards:

• Top 100 Xfluencers in Colorectal Cancer – OncoDaily (2024)
• Best in Medicine – Leaders in Medicine – American Health Council (2021)
• Empowered Patient Leader (EPL) medal – ColonTown (2019)
• Teamwork – Above and Beyond Recognition Program – Mayo Clinic, Rochester (2016, 2017, 2018)
• Excellence – Above and Beyond Recognition Program – Mayo Clinic, Rochester (2017)
• Tow Tan Humanism in Medicine – Mayo Clinic, Rochester (2016)
• Outstanding Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Trainee – Mayo Clinic, Rochester (2016)

Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award –  University of Pittsburgh (2013)

About City of Hope

City of Hope is a cancer research and treatment organization founded in 1913. Its mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Over the years, City of Hope has evolved into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research institutions in the U.S., recognized for its groundbreaking work in developing cancer medicines, human synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies.

City of Hope has an independent, NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, ranked among the top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report.

City of Hope’s national system includes its main campus in Los Angeles, clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, and facilities in Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix.

City of Hope Orange County provides a wide range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and outpatient care. The center is designed to create a healing environment that emphasizes patient comfort and accessibility. It is part of a larger network that offers access to over 800 clinical trials, providing patients with cutting-edge treatment options.

The establishment of City of Hope in Orange County aims to reduce the need for patients to travel long distances for advanced cancer care, bringing high-quality treatment closer to home. The facilities are designed with biophilic principles to enhance healing through natural light and views of the surrounding landscape. A new six-story specialty cancer hospital is planned to open in 2025, further expanding the capabilities and services offered at City of Hope Orange County.

Pashtoon Kasi shared on LinkedIn:

“I’m delighted to share that I’ve started a new position as Medical Director GI Medical Oncology at City of Hope Orange County! Onwards and upwards.

Towards better patient care, development of novel therapies, education, science, and improved outcomes. Looking forward!”

Oncologist Near Me: Pashtoon Kasi – Pioneering Cancer Specialist