Bob T. Li, MD, PhD, MPH

Medical Oncologist

Titles

Physician Ambassador to China and Asia-Pacific, Bobst International Center; Co-Director, Thoracic Liquid Biopsy Program; Chief Scientific Officer, MSK Direct

Clinical Expertise

Lung Cancers; Solid Tumor Molecular Oncology; Early-Phase Drug Development; Liquid Biopsy Guided Precision Medicine

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New Patient Appointments

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646-497-9163
Mon–Fri,
Accepted Insurance Providers

Dr. Li accepts the following list of insurance providers. Select your insurance provider to see more details.

Aetna

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with Aetna HMO, POS, and PPO plans. Aetna does not include us in any of the plans you can purchase through the insurance exchanges or through Medicare. Please ask your insurance if you need a one-time referral. MSK has an agreement with the Aetna Transplant Program for all Aetna's commercial products.

Blue Distinction Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Blue Distinction Center for bone marrow transplant and CAR-T.

Health Insurance Exchanges

We understand that there may be many complexities involved with insurance coverage purchased through the health exchange network of the Affordable Care Act. We’re here to help. If you have questions about how your care will be covered by an insurance provider, or need help navigating a change in coverage, please call us at 646-227-3378; if you are not a resident of New York, you can call us at 866-248-1274. Our team is here to listen to your concerns and assist you in any way we can. We want our care to be as accessible and affordable for as many people as possible.

CIGNA

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with CIGNA's HMO, POS, and PPO plans. CIGNA does not include us in any of the plans you can buy through the insurance exchanges.

  • If you are a New York State resident: Please ask your insurance if you need a one-time referral.
  • If you live outside of New York State: Please ask your insurance if you have in-network access to Memorial Sloan Kettering.
EmblemHealth (including GHI, HIP, ConnectiCare, and Vytra)

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with EmblemHealth’s PPO, EPO, POS, HMO plans. EmblemHealth includes GHI, HIP, Vytra, and ConnecticCare (in NYS Only). You must bring a referral from your Emblem primary care doctor to your first appointment. In-network participation exceptions include:

  • Emblem’s HIP Commercial Millennium, Select Care and Enhanced Care Prime networks is not in-network with Memorial Sloan Kettering.
  • Please call Emblem to confirm if your specific plan is in-network.

For information regarding Memorial Sloan Kettering’s participation with Emblem’s Medicare Advantage Plans, please refer to the Medicare & Medicaid page

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Wellpoint) of New York Indemnity, HMO, EPO, PPO, POS and Medicare Advantage plans, with the following exceptions:

  • Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield does not include us in any of the plans you can buy through the insurance exchanges.
  • Please call Empire BCBS to confirm if your specific plan is in-network with Memorial Sloan Kettering.
HealthFirst

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with HealthFirst’s commercial products; these commercial products are not purchased on the insurance exchanges.

HealthSmart

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with HealthSmart’s Accel, HSPC, and HPO networks.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

For our NJ locations, Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with most Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey plans for individuals, families, and small businesses. Horizon members with Blue Card Access (there would be a suitcase logo on the front of the card) may have access to our NY locations.  Please call Horizon to confirm if your plan is in-network in NY. 

Humana

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by Humana.

Interlink Health Services

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by Interlink Health Services.

Lifetrac

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by Lifetrac.

MagnaCare

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider for all MagnaCare health plans except those products you can buy through the insurance exchanges.

Medicare & Medicaid

For information about Medicare and Medicaid, please visit this page

Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with some Multiplan/Beech Street/PHCS plans. Contact your insurance carrier to find out if your plan provides in-network access to Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by Multiplan.

Multiple Insurance Plans

If you are covered by more than one insurance plan, you will want to determine your benefits from both plans. First, you need to determine which one is your primary insurance provider by contacting your employee benefits office or your insurance carriers. After you find out which is your primary insurance provider, you should then contact your insurance carrier to determine if you have access to Memorial Sloan Kettering.

MVP

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with some MVP plans. Contact your insurance carrier to find out if your plan provides in-network access to Memorial Sloan Kettering.

New York State Employee Health Insurance Plan (Empire Plan)

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider for New York State employees who have enrolled in UnitedHealthcare's Cancer Resource Services. If you have the Empire Plan, you should call Cancer Resources Services at 866-936-6002 to verify and enroll in this coverage.

Oscar

Memorial Sloan Kettering is in-network with Oscar’s Circle Plus Network, a part of its Small Group Broad line that is offered only to select small business groups. Oscar does not include Memorial Sloan Kettering as an in-network provider for any of its individual plans. Please confirm eligibility with your insurance carrier. 

Other Blue Cross Blue Shield plans

Most Blue Cross Blue Shield plans include Memorial Sloan Kettering as an in-network provider. Contact your insurance company to confirm if Memorial Sloan Kettering is in-network.

Other Coverage Options

We have agreements with several insurance companies that may provide additional coverage for cancer patients. These benefit programs include:

  • AXA Assistance USA
  • Beech Street
  • Integrated Health Plans
  • National Health Administrators
  • National Preferred Provider Network
  • UnitedHealthcare's Cancer Resource Services
  • United Resource Network
  • Veterans Choice Program
Oxford

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with Oxford’s Freedom and Liberty plans as well as the Metro Plan (which is only offered to small business groups and no longer offered as individual plans). Please confirm with your insurance if you need a one-time referral. Note: Oxford’s Medicare Managed Care plan — Secure Horizon — does not include Memorial Sloan Kettering as an in-network provider. Oxford does not include us in any of the plans you can buy through the insurance exchanges.

World Trade Center Health Program

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with the World Trade Center Health Program.

QualCare

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with QualCare's PPO and HMO/POS network.

Specialty Care Management

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by Specialty Care Management.

TRICARE

Hospital and physician services may be covered by TRICARE. Please call your TRICARE plan to confirm coverage at Memorial Sloan Kettering.

UnitedHealthcare

Memorial Sloan Kettering is an in-network provider with UnitedHealthCare's HMO, POS, and PPO plans. Please confirm with your insurance if a one-time referral is needed.

UnitedHealthCare's Medicare Managed Care plan does not include Memorial Sloan Kettering as an in-network provider.

United does not include us in any of the plans you can buy through the insurance exchanges.

Memorial Sloan Kettering is a designated Center of Excellence by UnitedHealthcare.

Contact and Location

Locations map
Find a Convenient Location

Memorial Sloan Kettering has locations throughout New York City, Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester. These locations offer many services, including screening, chemotherapy, and medical testing.

See all locations

About Me

Education

MBBS, University of New South Wales; MPH, University of Sydney; PhD, University of Sydney

Residencies

Internal Medicine - Concord Repatriation General Hospital/University of Sydney

Fellowships

Medical Oncology - Royal North Shore Hospital/University of Sydney; Medical Oncology - Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

Internal Medicine; Medical Oncology (Australia)

I am a medical oncologist and physician-scientist who specializes in lung cancers and the development of precision medicines for solid tumors. Having experienced cancer in my own family, I understand how devastating a cancer diagnosis can be for patients and their loved ones. Yet I emphasize that there is hope for extended survival and improved quality of life. My practice is devoted to pursuing that hope through personalized and compassionate care, and by applying the most cutting-edge science to fighting cancer. I tailor treatments to the molecular profile of patients’ tumors as well as their individual circumstances - whether that means offering a proven standard of care or a novel clinical trial.

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My research focuses on molecular changes in patients’ tumors on a gene or protein level and targeting them with new medicines. I have led numerous pivotal international clinical trials as principal investigator, including “drugging the undruggable” KRAS which has long been considered impossible to treat - and targeting HER2 across multiple types of cancers. Furthermore, I am co-director of MSK’s multidisciplinary Thoracic Liquid Biopsy Program, which is focused on clinically developing liquid biopsy technologies to optimize early cancer detection and precision cancer therapy.

As Chief Scientific Officer, MSK Direct, I oversee the research agenda for our institutional digital outreach strategy in expanding patient access to MSK’s expertise. I am also a member of the International Center and serve as MSK’s Physician Ambassador to China and Asia-Pacific, in which I provide administrative leadership in international patient care, as well as research and education programs to advance MSK’s mission abroad with transparency and impact. As a faculty member of MSK and Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, I am committed to educating the next generation of physician leaders, including fellows, residents, and medical students. We cannot fight cancer alone, but through international collaboration, I devote my career to winning the global war on cancer and bringing real hope to patients.

We cannot fight cancer alone, but through international collaboration, I devote my career to winning the global war on cancer and bringing real hope to patients.

-Dr. Li

Awards and Honors

  • American Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award
  • American Association for Cancer Research Young Investigator Translational Cancer Research Award

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 Early Drug Development Service doctors

See all Thoracic Oncology Service doctors

Clinical Trials

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Smiling doctors in the lab
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

Books

Fast Facts: Immuno-Oncology. Clarke S, Li BT. Basel. Karger Publishers; 2017

Selected publications

Hong DS, Fakih MG, Strickler JH, Desai J, Durm GA, Shapiro GI,Falchook GS, Price TJ, Sacher A, Denlinger CS, Bang YJ, Dy GK, Krauss JC, Kuboki Y, Kuo JC, Coveler AL, Park K, Kim TW, Barlesi F, Munster PN, Ramalingam SS, Burns TF, Meric-Bernstam F, Henary H, Ngang J, Ngarmchamnanrith G, Kim J, Houk BE, Canon J, Lipford JR, Friberg G, Lito P, Govindan R, Li BT. KRASG12C inhibition with sotorasib in advanced solid tumors. N Engl J Med. 2020; 383:1207-1217

Li BT, Shen R, Buonocore D, Olah ZT, Ni A, Ginsberg MS, Ulaner GA, Offin M, Feldman D, Hembrough T, Cecchi F, Schwartz S, Pavlakis N, Clarke S, Won HH, Brzostowski EB, Riely GJ, Solit DB, Hyman DM, Drilon A, Rudin CM, Berger MF, Baselga J, Scaltriti M, Arcila ME, Kris MG. Ado-trastuzumab emtansine for patients with HER2-mutant lung cancers: Results from a phase II basket trial. J Clin Oncol. 2018; 36(24):2532-2537

Li BT, Michelini F, Misale S, Cocco E, Baldino L, Cai Y, Shifman S, Tu H-Y, Myers ML, Xu C, Mattar M, Khodos M, Little M, Qeriqi B, Weitsman G, WilhemC, Lalani AS, Diala I, Freedman RA, Lin NU, Solit DB, Berger, Barber PR, Ng T, Offin M, Isbell JM, Jones DR, Yu HA, Thyparambil S, Liao W-L, Bhalkikar A, Cecchi F, Hyman DH, Lewis JS, Buonocore D, Ho AL, Makker V, Reis-Filho JS, Razavi P, Arcila ME, Kris MG, Poirier JT, Shen R, Tsurutani J, Ulaner GA, de Stanchina E, Rosen N, Rudin CM, Scaltriti M. HER2-mediated internalization of cytotoxic agents in ERBB2 amplified or mutant lung cancers. Cancer Discov. 2020; 10(5):674-687

Tsurutani J, Iwata H, Krop I, Jänne PA, Doi T, Takahashi S, Park H, Redfern C, Tamura K, Wise-Draper T, Saito K, Sugihara M, Singh J, Jikoh T, Gallant G, Li BT. Targeting HER2 with trastuzumab deruxtecan: A dose-expansion, phase 1 study in multiple advanced solid tumors. Cancer Discov. 2020; 10(5):688-701

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Sullivan RJ, Infante JR, Janku F, Wong DJL, Sosman JA, Keedy V, Patel MR, Shapiro GI, Mier JW, Tolcher AW, Wang-Gillam A, Sznol M, Flaherty K, Buchbinder E, Carvajal RD, Varghese AM, Lacouture ME, Ribas A, Patel SP, DeCerescenzo GA, Emery CM, Groover AL, Saha S, Varterasian M, Welsch DJ, Hyman DM, Li BT. First-in-class ERK1/2 inhibitor Ulixertinib (BVD-523) in patients with MAPK mutant advanced solid tumors: Results of a phase I dose escalation and expansion study. Cancer Discov. 2018; 8(2):184-195.

Razavi P*, Li BT*, Brown D*, Jung B, Hubbell E, Shen R, Abida W, Juluru K, De Bruijn I, Hou C, Venn O, Lim R, Anand A, Maddala T, Gnerre S, Satya R, Liu Q, Shen L, Eattock N, Yue J, Blocker AW, Lee M, Sehnert A, Xu H, Hall MP, Santiago-Zayas A, Novotny WF, Isbell JM, Rusch VW, Plitas G, Heerdt AS, Ladanyi M, Hyman DM, Jones DR, Morrow M, Riely GJ, Scher HI, Rudin CM, Robson ME, Diaz, Jr. LA, Solit DB, Aravanis AM, Reis-Filho JS. High-intensity sequencing reveals the sources of plasma circulating cell-free DNA variants. Nat Med. 2019; 25(12):1928-1937. *Co-first authors

Sabari JK, Offin M, Stephens D, Ni A, Lee A, Pavlakis N, Clarke S, Diakos CI, Datta S, Tandon N, Martinez A, Myers ML, Makhnin A, Leger Y, Yu HA, Paik PK, Chaft JE, Kris MG, Jeon JO, Borsu LA, Ladanyi M, Arcila ME, Hernandez J, Henderson S, Shaffer T, Garg K, DiPasquo D, Raymond CK, Lim LP, Li M, Hellmann MD, Drilon A, Riely GJ, Rusch VW, Jones DR, Rimner A, Rudin CM, Isbell JM, Li BT. A prospective study of circulating tumor DNA to guide matched targeted therapy in lung cancers. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2018; 111(6):575-583.

Li BT, Janku F, Jung B, Hou C, Madwani K, Alden R, Razavi P, Reis-Filho JS, Shen R, Isbell JM, Blocker AW, Eattock N, Gnerre S, Satya RV, Xu H, Zhao C, Hall MP, Hu Y, Sehnert AJ, Brown D, Ladanyi M, Rudin CM, Hunkapiller N, Feeney N, Mills GB, Paweletz CP, Janne PA, Solit DB, Riely GJ, Aravanis A, Oxnard GR. Ultra-deep next-generation sequencing of plasma cell-free DNA in patients with advanced lung cancers: results from the Actionable Genome Consortium. Ann Oncol. 2019; 30(4):597-603.

Publications on PubMed

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

Bob T. Li discloses the following relationships and financial interests:

  • Amgen
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • AstraZeneca
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Boehringer Ingelheim
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc.
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Daiichi Sankyo
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Eli Lilly and Company
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Genentech
    Provision of Services (uncompensated)
  • Karger Publishers
    Intellectual Property Rights
  • Shanghai Jiao Tong University Press Co., Ltd.
    Intellectual Property Rights

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 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, 2020 through disclosure submission in spring 2021). 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 ecoi@mskcc.org.


View all disclosures

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