Oncologist Near Me – Enrique Soto: A Leader in Geriatric Oncology and Global Cancer Care

Welcome to OncoDaily‘s special section, “Oncologist Near Me,” where we introduce prominent oncologists worldwide.

Here, you can get to know the leading cancer specialists in your area, including both personal and professional details that you won’t find in their research articles.

Interested solely in research? We’ve got that covered too! Discover top research articles by the author, learn about their academic achievements, awards, and honors, watch their interviews, and memorize some quotes for much-needed inspiration!

Enrique Soto, MD, PhD, FASCO

Dr. Enrique Soto is a medical oncologist with a specialization in geriatric oncology. He currently serves as Associate Professor and Associate Director for Global Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Dr. Soto is the Editor-in-Chief of ecancer and also serves on the Editorial Board of OncoDaily.

Path to Geriatric Oncology

Dr. Soto completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán in Mexico City (2008–2012), followed by a fellowship in Medical Oncology at the same institution (2012–2015).

He earned a Master’s degree in Medical Science with honors from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (2015–2017) and subsequently pursued a postdoctoral fellowship in Geriatric Oncology at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California (2016–2017).

When asked what inspired him to pursue medicine and specialize in oncology, Dr. Enrique Soto reflects:

“I was initially drawn to geriatric medicine by a deep interest in aging and the complexities of caring for older adults. During my clinical training, I realized that oncology is not only scientifically fascinating but also a field where you build strong, long-term relationships with patients. I found particular meaning in helping older adults navigate cancer care—a population that often faces unique challenges and is frequently underrepresented in research. That sense of purpose is what led me to specialize in geriatric oncology.”

He later returned to the National Autonomous University of Mexico to complete a PhD in Medical Science, which he obtained in April 2021.

Career

Since 2024, he has served as Associate Professor and Associate Director for Global Oncology at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. Before joining the University of Colorado, he led the Cancer Care in the Older Adult Clinic at the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ) in Mexico City, where he also worked as an attending physician in the Department of Geriatrics.

His long-standing affiliation with INCMNSZ included a range of academic and research positions, where he contributed extensively to the advancement of cancer care for older adults. Before that, he completed an international research fellowship with the Cancer and Aging Research Program in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope in California (2016–2017), collaborating with leaders in the field of geriatric oncology.

When asked to reflect on a moment that left a lasting impact on his career, Dr. Soto shared:

“Meeting Dr. Arti Hurria at the 2014 ASCO Annual Meeting was a pivotal moment in my career. Her work in geriatric oncology deeply resonated with me, and I was fortunate to collaborate with her before her untimely passing. Dr. Hurria’s mentorship profoundly influenced my approach to patient care and research, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment for older adults with cancer.”

In addition to his clinical and research work, Dr. Enrique Soto is actively engaged in academic publishing and scientific communication. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of ecancer, an open-access journal focused on improving cancer communication and education across the globe. He is also a member of the International Advisory Board of The Lancet Oncology and serves on the Editorial Board of the Journal of Global Oncology, reflecting his commitment to advancing oncology at an international level.

Honors and Awards

Dr. Enrique Soto has been widely recognized for his contributions to geriatric oncology, global cancer care, and academic research. His accolades reflect his leadership in both clinical practice and scientific advancement. Below is a selection of his most notable awards:

• Paul Calabresi Award, International Society of Geriatric Oncology – 2024
• Level III Researcher, National System of Researchers of Mexico – 2023
• Mexican Society of Oncology Award for International Visiting Professorships – 2023
• Fellow of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (FASCO) – 2022
• The Oncologist Young Investigator Award – 2021
• Career Development Award, Conquer Cancer Foundation of ASCO – 2019
• Editorial Fellowship, ASCO Journal of Global Oncology – 2016
• ASCO Young Investigator Award – 2015

Research

Dr. Enrique Soto’s research focuses on two key areas: the use of mobile technology to monitor older adults with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, and the study of global disparities in cancer care. His work aims to improve patient outcomes by integrating digital tools into cancer management, especially for vulnerable populations. A prolific academic, Dr. Soto has published more than 180 papers in peer-reviewed journals, contributing significantly to the fields of geriatric oncology and global health.

Watch Dr. Enrique Soto’s speech at the 1st Global Summit on War and Cancer, organized by the Institute of Cancer and Crisis and OncoDaily.

Top 10 papers by Enrique Soto*

• Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Li D, Yuan Y, Lau YM, Hurria A. Functional versus chronological age: geriatric assessments to guide decision making in older patients with cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2018 Jun;19(6):e305-e316. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(18)30348-6. Epub 2018 Jun 1. PMID: 29893262.
• Jimenez-Sotomayor MR, Gomez-Moreno C, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E. Coronavirus, Ageism, and Twitter: An Evaluation of Tweets about Older Adults and COVID-19. J Am Geriatr Soc.. 2020 Aug;68(8):1661-1665. doi: 10.1111/jgs.16508. Epub 2020 May 9. PMID: 32338787; PMCID: PMC7267430.
• Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, de Glas NA, Hsu T, Kanesvaran R, Steer C, Navarrete-Reyes AP, Battisti NML, Chavarri-Guerra Y, O’Donovan A, Avila-Funes JA, Hurria A. Global geriatric oncology: Achievements and challenges. J Geriatr Oncol. 2017 Sep;8(5):374-386. doi: 10.1016/j.jgo.2017.06.001. Epub 2017 Jun 20. PMID: 28642040.
• Goss PE, Strasser-Weippl K, Lee-Bychkovsky BL, Fan L, Li J, Chavarri-Guerra Y, Liedke PE, Pramesh CS, Badovinac-Crnjevic T, Sheikine Y, Chen Z, Qiao YL, Shao Z, Wu YL, Fan D, Chow LW, Wang J, Zhang Q, Yu S, Shen G, He J, Purushotham A, Sullivan R, Badwe R, Banavali SD, Nair R, Kumar L, Parikh P, Subramanian S, Chaturvedi P, Iyer S, Shastri SS, Digumarti R, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Adilbay D, Semiglazov V, Orlov S, Kaidarova D, Tsimafeyeu I, Tatishchev S, Danishevskiy KD, Hurlbert M, Vail C, St Louis J, Chan A. Challenges to effective cancer control in China, India, and Russia. Lancet Oncol. 2014 Apr;15(5):489-538. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70029-4. PMID: 24731404.
• Hurria A, Levit LA, Dale W, Mohile SG, Muss HB, Fehrenbacher L, Magnuson A, Lichtman SM, Bruinooge SS, Soto-Perez-de-Celis E, Tew WP, Postow MA, Cohen HJ; American Society of Clinical Oncology. Improving the Evidence Base for Treating Older Adults With Cancer: American Society of Clinical Oncology Statement. J Clin Oncol. 2015 Nov 10;33(32):3826-33. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2015.63.0319. Epub 2015 Jul 20. PMID: 26195697.

Interviews with Enrique Soto

OncoDaily Walk and Talk with Enrique Soto, Hosted by Tatev Margaryan – OncoDaily

Cancer Care in Areas of Drug Conflict – ecancer

Finding a way for newly diagnosed cancer patients globally to access supportive care earns Dr. Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis The Oncologist’s 2021 Young Investigator Award – The Oncologist.

Meet Enrique Soto Pérez de Celis, MD, MSc – ASCO Conection

Beyond the White Coat

When Dr. Enrique Soto isn’t seeing patients or pushing the field of geriatric oncology forward, you’ll likely find him on a bike. Cycling has long been his way to clear his head and stay active. Since moving to Colorado, he’s also taken up skiing—a new challenge he’s grown to love. He’s a football fan, too, and enjoys unwinding with a good match.

He also enjoys cinema and literature that linger in the mind:

Favorite Movies

No Country for Old Men – A haunting exploration of fate, violence, and morality.

Amour – A quiet, devastating film about aging and caregiving.

Drive – Minimalist and moody, but emotionally intense.

Favorite Books

La Guerra del Fin del Mundo by Mario Vargas Llosa – A rich epic of politics and belief.

Animal Farm by George Orwell – Timeless in its simplicity and message.

The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb – A book that changed how he thinks about risk and uncertainty.

He’s also active on social media, where his page on X (@EnriqueSoto8) offers a thoughtful mix of oncology, culture, and personal reflections.

In His Words

Dr. Enrique Soto brings clinical expertise and a deep sense of purpose to his work in oncology. When asked what advice he’d give to those just starting, his answer reflects the values that guide him:

“Seek out mentors who inspire and challenge you. Oncology is a complex and evolving field, and having guidance from experienced professionals can provide invaluable insights. Additionally, always prioritize empathy and patient-centered care; understanding your patients’ experiences is as crucial as the innovative and scientific aspects of treatment.”

As for what keeps him going each day:

“The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in patients’ lives is a constant source of motivation. Whether through clinical care, research, or policy development, contributing to the advancement of equitable and effective cancer treatment for older adults remains at the heart of my professional endeavors.”

How to contact him?

Email: [email protected]
Location: CU Anschutz,  Anschutz Cancer Pavilion, 1665 North Aurora Court

Read the previous articles in the “Oncologist Near Me” series to explore insights into the lives and careers of leading oncologists worldwide.

We’ve curated the internet to find the most important information about them. If you have more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Written by Vahe Grigoryan