Lee Krug M.D.

Bio

Lee M. Krug, M.D., is a thoracic oncologist for the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. He is also director of the Mesothelioma Program at the facility, leading a team of doctors who research and develop treatment options for the rare cancer.

Krug's primary responsibilities include treating patients with lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma. He is frequently involved in clinical trials that test treatment strategies for both of these cancers.

In conjunction with the Mesothelioma Program, Krug conducted a national study that evaluated the efficacy of combining surgery, chemotherapy and radiation for patients with early stage mesothelioma. He is currently heading an international Phase III clinical trial involving the medication vorinostat for mesothelioma patients who have previously received chemotherapy.

Board certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, Krug feels a strong immune system is a great way to fight cancer. "I have a particular interest in therapies that boost the immune system so that it can recognize and attack specific molecules on the cancer cells."

In 2010, Krug helped develop the first National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the management of mesothelioma. The guidelines recommend a combination of pemetrexed with cisplatin or carboplatin as the optimal first-line chemotherapy regimen for patients.

Although surgery made it into the guidelines, Krug says, "[t]he role of aggressive surgery remains controversial. Physicians need to be highly selective when choosing potential candidates for this procedure."

Do You Have Mesothelioma?

The Mesothelioma Center offers a free comprehensive packet to help patients understand their disease. This care packet provides information about the types of mesothelioma and the treatment options for each.  Also included are profiles of doctors who specialize in treating mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases as well as lists of cancer centers around the country. You will also learn about the various financial assistance options that may help cover the costs of your care. This complimentary packet also contains information for veterans. Click here to get your free packet in the mail.

Publications

Krug's publications include 17 that specifically discuss mesothelioma. The most recent, published in the Jun 2011 issue of Current Treatment Options of Oncology, was titled "The Evolution of Multimodality Therapy for Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma."