Paul Romesser, MD

Radiation Oncologist & Early Drug Development Specialist

My Role at MSK

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

Anal cancer
Rectal cancer
Metastatic cancers

My Specialties

Radiation therapy
Clinical trials

View all

Request an Appointment

Our Care Advisors can answer many of your questions. They will connect you with the best healthcare provider for your needs.

About Me

What I Do at MSK

Director of Colorectal and Anal Cancer, Department of Radiation Oncology

Get To Know Me

Hello, I am Dr. Paul Romesser, a board-certified radiation oncologist specializing in the treatment of rectal and anal cancer. I understand that that facing these types of cancer can be overwhelming, but please know I am here to provide you and your family with compassionate care and unwavering support throughout your journey.

As the Director of Colorectal and Anal Cancer Radiation Oncology, my experience and leadership in this specialized field position me as a trusted authority in the treatment of these cancers. I am deeply committed to helping patients like you navigate the complexities of cancer care and work with you to create comprehensive treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and circumstances. Together, we will work towards the best possible outcome; your well-being is our top priority.

At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, we believe in taking a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach (care involving experts across medical specialties) to cancer care. Working closely with surgical and medical oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, I ensure that my patients receive the best care possible. I take great pride in the expertise of the team supporting my patients. I want my patients to feel assured that they are in the hands of a dedicated group of experts throughout their journey.

Patient education is of the utmost importance to me. I understand the significance of understanding your diagnosis and treatment options, and I will take the time to explain the role of radiation therapy in your overall treatment plan. My compassionate approach aims to address any concerns or questions you may have while empowering you with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions about your care.

In addition to my clinical practice, I am actively involved in groundbreaking research and clinical trials in cancer care. Sometimes, a new therapy or treatment method available in a clinical trial offers the best chance for cure. Patients who decide that a clinical trial is right for them have the opportunity to access cutting-edge treatments and contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge. I am passionate about pushing the boundaries of radiation oncology and believe that through research, we can uncover innovative solutions that will benefit patients like you.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I am driven by a genuine desire to make a positive impact on the lives of my patients and community. I volunteer on the board of the HPV Alliance and The Anal Cancer Foundation — two organizations dedicated to providing education and support for people with cancer. When I’m not working, I cherish the precious moments spent with my loving family and our dog, Easton.

I want you to feel reassured that when you visit my office, you are not just another patient, but someone who will receive personalized care and advocacy. Your journey towards healing is my top priority, and I am here to guide you every step of the way. With empathy, expertise, and unwavering support, I am dedicated to helping you work through the challenges of rectal and anal cancer while instilling hope and inspiring you to embrace the future with optimism. Together, we will conquer cancer and embark on a path to restored health and well-being.

My Role at MSK

A radiation oncologist is a cancer doctor with special training in using radiation therapy (RT) to treat cancer with radiation.

An early drug development specialist tests new drugs to treat cancer. They have special training in research studies, known as clinical trials.

Conditions I Treat

Anal cancer
Rectal cancer
Metastatic cancers
Pancreatic cancer and conditions
Liver cancer and conditions
Liver metastases
Stomach (gastric) cancer
Endocrine and neuroendocrine cancers and conditions
Gallbladder cancer
Bile duct cancer (cholangiocarcinoma)

My Specialties

Radiation therapy
Clinical trials

Education

MD, Boston University School of Medicine

Residencies

Radiation Oncology - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

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.

Aetna

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS, Transplant

Make an appointment

Aetna Medicare Advantage (MTA and NYC retirees only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Make an appointment

Anthem BCBS and other BCBS licensee plans

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

See updates

Make an appointment

Anthem BCBS Health Plus

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Make an appointment

Anthem Blue Cross Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO, DSN

See updates

Make an appointment

Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

See updates

Make an appointment

Blue Cross Blue Shield states outside of NY/NJ

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO PPO, POS

See updates

Make an appointment

Carrum Health

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Make an appointment

Cigna

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Make an appointment

Connecticare

In Network Coverage Type
POS, EPO, HMO

Make an appointment

Emblem

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Emblem to learn more.

Make an appointment

Emblem Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Make an appointment

Emblem Medicare Advantage (Medicare Choice PPO Network and VIP Prime Network Only)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Make an appointment

Empire Essential

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Make an appointment

Empire Plan / NYSHIP (Blue Cross/UnitedHealthcare split plan)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Make an appointment

Fidelis

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, EPO

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Fidelis to learn more.

Make an appointment

Fidelis Managed Medicaid & HARP

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Make an appointment

Fidelis Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Make an appointment

First Health

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

Make an appointment

Healthfirst

In Network Coverage Type
EPO, HMO, PPO, POS

Offers a qualified health plan from the Health Insurance Marketplace. Call Healthfirst to learn more.

Make an appointment

Healthfirst Managed Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

Make an appointment

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
HMO, PPO

Make an appointment

Healthsmart

In Network Coverage Type
PPO EPO

Make an appointment

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (HMO)

In Network Coverage Type
HMO

See updates

Make an appointment

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey (PPO)

In Network Coverage Type
PPO

See updates

Make an appointment

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier I (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Make an appointment

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield New Jersey Omnia Tier II (EPO)

In Network Coverage Type
EPO

See updates

Make an appointment

Horizon Medicare Advantage

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Make an appointment

Husky CT Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Make an appointment

Magnacare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO

Make an appointment

Straight NJ Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Make an appointment

Straight NY Medicaid

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Make an appointment

Medicare Part A&B (traditional Medicare)

In Network Coverage Type
Federal Government

Make an appointment

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

In Network Coverage Type
Supplemental

Make an appointment

MVP

In Network Coverage Type
PPO/OAP

Make an appointment

Non-Participating Plans with Out of Network Benefits

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, EPO, HMO

Make an appointment

NYC Medicare Advantage Plus for City Employees

In Network Coverage Type
TBD

Make an appointment

Oscar

In Network Coverage Type
HMO/EPO

Make an appointment

Oxford

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, EPO

Make an appointment

World Trade Center Health Program (WTC)

In Network Coverage Type
State Government

Make an appointment

Qualcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Make an appointment

Tricare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, HMO

Make an appointment

UMR

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS

Make an appointment

United Healthcare

In Network Coverage Type
PPO, POS, HMO

Make an appointment

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.

Make an Appointment

New Patients

Scheduling an appointment is easy. Click or call 800-525-2225— we’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Make an Appointment

Current Patients

Request an appointment by logging on to MyMSK or calling your doctor’s office. If you aren’t registered for MyMSK, call 646-227-2593 for your Enrollment ID.

Contact and Location

Dr. Romesser sees patients at one location.

Office Phone

646-888-2118

Location

New York, NY

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. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Collaborators doctors

See all Early Drug Development Service doctors

See all External Beam Radiotherapy Service, Manhattan doctors

See all Brachytherapy Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Clinical Trials Investigated by Dr. Romesser
A Phase II Study of Targeted Radiation Therapy for People with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer that Spread to the Liver
Clinical Trials Co-Investigated by Dr. Romesser
A Phase II Study Assessing the Addition of Irinotecan to Combination Chemotherapy after Chemoradiation in Patients with Stage II or III Rectal Cancer to Improve the Rate of Complete Response
A Phase II Study of Proton versus Photon Beam Radiotherapy to Treat Head and Neck Cancer
A Phase II Study of Tucatinib and Trastuzumab Followed by Chemotherapy as Initial Treatment for Locally Advanced HER2-Positive Rectal Cancer

A Study Assessing the Effects of Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy on Reproductive and Sexual Health in People with Early-Onset Colorectal Cancer

Find a Clinical Trial for You

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 trials

Research and Publications

View Dr. Romesser's Lab

Romesser PB, Cahlon O, Scher E, Zhou Y, Berry SL, Rybkin A, Sine KM, Tang S, Sherman EJ, Wong R, Lee NY. Proton beam radiation therapy results in significantly reduced toxicity compared with intensity-modulated radiation therapy for head and neck tumors that require ipsilateral radiation. Radiotherapy and Oncology. 2016; 118(2):286-292. PMID 26867969.

Romesser PB, Cahlon O, Scher ED, Hug EB, Sine K, DeSelm C, Fox, JL, Mah D, Garg, MK, Chang J, Lee NY. Proton beam re-irradiation for recurrent head and neck cancer: multi-institutional report on feasibility and early outcomes. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology, and Physics. 2016; 95(1):386-395. PMID: 27084656.

Romesser PB, Romanyshyn JC, Schupak KD, Setton J, Riaz N, Wolden SL, Gelblum DY, Sherman EJ, Kraus D, Lee NY. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy. Cancer. 2012; 118(24):6072-6078. PMID 22707358.

Romesser PB, Sherman EJ, Shaha AR, Lian M, Wong RJ, Sabra M, Rao SS, Fagin JA, Tuttle RM, Lee NY. External beam radiotherapy with or without concurrent chemotherapy in advanced or recurrent non-anaplastic non-medullary thyroid cancer. Journal of Surgical Oncology. 2014; 110(4):375-382. PMID 24961938.

Romesser PB, Lim R, Spratt DE, Setton J, Riaz N, Lok B, Sherman EJ, Schoder H, Lee NY. The relative prognostic utility of standardized uptake value, gross tumor volume, and metabolic tumor volume in oropharyngeal cancer patients treated with platinum based concurrent chemoradiation with a pretreatment ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan. Oral Oncology. 2014; 50(9):802-808. PMID 25043882.

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Romesser’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 PubMed

Disclosures

Doctors and faculty members often work with pharmaceutical, device, biotechnology, and life sciences companies, and other organizations outside of MSK, to find safe and effective cancer treatments, to improve patient care, and to educate the health care community.

MSK requires doctors and faculty members to report (“disclose”) the relationships and financial interests they have with external entities. As a commitment to transparency with our community, we make that information available to the public.

Paul Romesser discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

10x Genomics
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)
EMD Serono, Inc
Professional Services and Activities
Faeth Therapeutics, Inc
Professional Services and Activities
HPV Alliance
Professional Services and Activities

HPV and Anal Cancer Foundation
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)
Natera Inc.
Professional Services and Activities
XRad Therapeutics
Professional Services and Activities (Uncompensated)

If you’re a patient at MSK and would like more information about your doctor’s external relationships, please talk with your doctor.

The information published here is a complement to other publicly reported data and is for a specific annual disclosure period. There may be differences between information on this and other public sites as a result of different reporting periods and/or the various ways relationships and financial interests are categorized by organizations that publish such data.

This page and data include information for a specific MSK annual disclosure period (January 1, 2023 through disclosure submission in spring 2024). This data reflects interests that may or may not still exist. This data is updated annually.

Learn more about MSK’s COI policies here. For questions regarding MSK’s COI-related policies and procedures, email MSK’s Compliance Office at [email protected].

View all disclosures