Dr. Harvey Pass
First Director of Thoracic Surgery at New York University Langone Health
Dr. Harvey Pass was a top cardiothoracic surgeon at one of the best cancer centers in the United States. He was also researching how to diagnose mesothelioma in early stages. He retired from practice in 2022.
Pleural Mesothelioma (retired)
NYU Langone Health
550 First Ave., New York, NY 10016
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More About Mesothelioma Specialist Dr. Harvey Pass
Dr. Pass was a cardiothoracic surgeon at NYU Langone Health’s Perlmutter Cancer Center. He led mesothelioma treatment and research at the institution. He was one of the top specialists for pleural mesothelioma and other thoracic cancers.
Dr. Pass was one of the leaders in treating thoracic malignancies. He previously was the Second Division Chief of Thoracic Oncology at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland. He ran a laboratory, crafted clinical trials and was trained by Dr. Steven Rosenberg, a leader in immunotherapy cancer treatment.
He’s a co-author of the “100 Questions & Answers About Mesothelioma” book and is currently producing the third volume. His surgical expertise and research efforts led to him receiving awards from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group and the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
In addition to his role as First Director of Thoracic Surgery and a cardiothoracic surgeon, Dr. Pass was also:
- Professor of thoracic oncology and professor of surgery at NYU School of Medicine
- Vice Chair of Research at NYU Langone Health’s Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Medical Degrees and Residencies
- Medical Degree from Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, N.C., 1973
- Residency in Surgery at University of Mississippi Medical Center, 1980
- Residency in Cardiothoracic Surgery at Medical University of South Carolina, 1982
- Fellowship in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, 1986
Certifications and Memberships
- Certified by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery
- Membership in the American Association for Thoracic Surgery, Cardiothoracic Surgery Network, General Thoracic Surgical Club and Society of Thoracic Surgeons
- Received the Wagner Medal from the International Mesothelioma Interest Group
- Received the Pioneer Award from the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation
Research Into Mesothelioma Biomarkers
Dr. Pass started researching mesothelioma in the 1980s. He published his first medical article on this cancer at the end of the decade and began publishing articles regularly in the 1990s.
His lab research was focused on finding biomarkers for mesothelioma. This can help with early detection and personalizing therapy. This work was supported by the National Cancer Institute Early Detection Research Network.
He looked for biomarkers in blood and tissue samples. This effort can help pathologists diagnose mesothelioma much easier and quicker. Osteopontin and fibulin 3 are the biomarkers of note for his current research.
Sources & Author
- Harvey I. Pass, MD. NYU Langone Health. Retrieved from: https://nyulangone.org/doctors/1104826460/harvey-i-pass. Accessed: 09/23/2021.
AI Summary of Dr. Harvey Pass
Dr. Harvey Pass was a highly respected surgeon specializing in thoracic and mesothelioma cancers. As the first Director of Thoracic Surgery at NYU Langone Health, he led efforts in treating and researching pleural mesothelioma, a cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. His work was instrumental in advancing understanding and care for patients with these challenging lung-related cancers. Though he retired in 2022, his contributions to mesothelioma research and treatment continue to influence the field.
Dr. Pass dedicated much of his career to discovering ways to diagnose mesothelioma earlier. His research focused on identifying biomarkers, which are substances that can indicate the presence of cancer in the body. These biomarkers, such as osteopontin and fibulin 3, have the potential to help doctors detect mesothelioma more quickly and accurately. This work, supported by national health organizations, aims to improve personal treatment plans and increase the chances of successful outcomes for patients.
Throughout his career, Dr. Pass held several prestigious positions and earned numerous awards for his medical expertise and research achievements. He was a professor at NYU School of Medicine and served as Vice Chair of Research at NYU Langone Health’s Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery. His background includes medical training from Duke University and further specialization at renowned institutions like the National Institutes of Health. His leadership and dedication have made a lasting impact in the fight against thoracic cancers, especially mesothelioma.
While no longer practicing medicine, Dr. Pass’s extensive research efforts continue to shape the future of mesothelioma diagnosis and treatment. His work has helped pave the way for earlier detection and personalized therapies, offering hope to many individuals and families affected by this disease. His legacy stands as a testament to the importance of ongoing research and innovation in improving patient care and outcomes. This page provides an overview of his career, contributions, and the ongoing significance of his research efforts in the field of mesothelioma.