Congratulations, Paul Oberstein, New Director of GI Medical Oncology at Perlmutter Cancer Center

Paul E. Oberstein, MD

Paul E. Oberstein, MD

NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center has announced that Paul E. Oberstein, MD, a nationally renowned clinician-scientist, will serve as director of Gastrointestinal (GI) Medical Oncology and assistant director of its recently established Pancreatic Cancer Center. His new role will go into effect on March 1.

Oberstein is currently an assistant professor at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and an attending physician at New York-Presbyterian/Columbia University Medical Center. He is also a member of the Herbst Irving Comprehensive College of Physicians and Surgeons.

"Dr Oberstein will play a major role in the Pancreatic Cancer Center's efforts to develop highly innovative clinical trials for pancreatic cancer patients and to work with patients and patient advocacy groups to develop optimized support systems for patients," Diane M. Simeone, MD, director of the Pancreatic Cancer Center, said in a statement. "Dr Oberstein's expertise fits well with our deep commitment to each and every patient."

He is the principle investigator of over 10 ongoing trials pertaining to novel therapeutic approaches, as well as supportive care interventions, for patients with GI malignancies. His current research focuses on the complex interplay between tumor-associated stroma and epithelial cancer cells, and on a new method of imaging to detect pancreatic tumors. In addition, Oberstein is investigating new regimens for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, utilizing combinations of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. His work has been recognized with several awards, including a Young Investigator Award from the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2013 and a KL2 Mentored Career Development Award.

"In 2018, for the first time, GI cancers will cause more cancer deaths in the United States than any other organ system," said Benjamin G. Neel, MD, PhD, director of the Perlmutter Cancer Center, in a statement. "Dr Oberstein's experience in designing clinical trials for these cancers and his expertise in bringing basic research findings to the patient's bedside strengthen our already formidable GI cancer research team."

At the Pancreatic Cancer Center, Oberstein will work to progress laboratories studies and research of GI malignancies into clinical practice, in collaboration with numerous medical and surgical leaders in GI cancer. He will also continue to see patients.

Oberstein earned his medical degree from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 2006. He later went on to complete his residency in internal medicine at Temple University Hospital. He completed his fellowship in hematology and oncology, in addition to a clinical research fellowship, at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at Columbia University Medical Center. Oberstein also received a master of science degree in biostatistics in patient-oriented research from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.