Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian

About Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian

Gregory Kalemkerian is a board-certified specialist in medical oncology and internal medicine. He treats mesothelioma and other chest-related cancers, including small cell and non-small cell lung cancer.

Dr. Kalemkerian practices at the University of Michigan Health System as part of the Rogel Cancer Center. Here, patients seeking mesothelioma treatment in Michigan may receive care from a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, surgeons, pulmonologists, and radiation oncologists.

As a respected mesothelioma specialist, Dr. Kalemkerian has years of experience treating thoracic cancers through systemic therapy, clinical trials, and coordinated cancer care. He’s also involved in research focused on improving treatment options and outcomes for mesothelioma patients.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Kalemkerian and other mesothelioma specialists who can help you start treatment.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian Treat?

Dr. Kalemkerian treats a wide range of thoracic malignancies and related conditions.

His primary areas of focus include:

• Pleural mesothelioma: A rare cancer of the lung lining caused by asbestos exposure
• Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): Including advanced-stage disease
• Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): A fast-growing form of lung cancer
• Thymoma and other thoracic cancers: Complex tumors requiring specialized care

He also collaborates with specialists in radiation therapy, surgery, and other disciplines to provide comprehensive cancer treatment.

Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian’s Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment

Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian focuses on delivering personalized mesothelioma treatment based on the latest research and clinical evidence.

He can treat pleural mesothelioma using options like:

• Chemotherapy: Using cancer-fighting drugs to slow tumor growth and reduce symptoms
• Immunotherapy: Using drugs to help the body find and destroy mesothelioma cells
• Targeted therapies: Addressing specific cancer pathways and inhibitors
• Clinical trials: Providing access to new treatments and emerging therapies

He works closely with multidisciplinary teams to develop treatment plans that balance effectiveness with quality of life for mesothelioma patients.

Download our Free Questions to Ask Your Doctor Checklist to prepare for your appointments and better understand your treatment options.

Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian’s Medical Background

Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian has built a long-standing career in oncology, supported by advanced medical education and fellowship training.

He earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University.

He then completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University, where he developed expertise in cancer research and treatment.

Work Experience

Dr. Kalemkerian has held several key roles in oncology and academic medicine.

His experience includes:

• Medical oncologist at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center
• Faculty member within the University of Michigan Health System
• Previous affiliation with Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Collaboration with mesothelioma centers such as Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit

He has also contributed to national oncology efforts through organizations like the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Highlights of Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian’s Medical Career

Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian is widely recognized for his contributions to thoracic oncology and his leadership in clinical research.

He has played a role in developing and evaluating new treatments for lung cancer and mesothelioma, including first-line therapies and combination treatment strategies.

At the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he continues to support innovation in cancer care through clinical trials and research focused on improving survival and treatment outcomes.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Kalemkerian has received numerous honors throughout his career, recognizing his expertise in thoracic oncology and his influence on medical education.

Some of his recognitions include:

• America’s Top Doctors
• America’s Top Doctors for Cancer
• Best Doctors in America
• Castle Connolly Top Doctor
• Jamie Von Roenn Excellence in Teaching & Mentorship Award
• League of Clinical Excellence, University of Michigan
• Lifetime Achievement Award in Medical Education, University of Michigan
• Outstanding Clinician Award, University of Michigan
• Teacher of the Year Award, University of Michigan Division of Hematology/Oncology
• Top Doctor, Newsweek

These recognitions reflect his long-standing contributions to oncology, his dedication to training the next generation of mesothelioma specialists, and his commitment to high-quality patient care.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Kalemkerian maintains active affiliations with the most influential research and clinical organizations in the world.

Some of his professional affiliations include:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• American Society of Hematology (ASH)
• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)
• National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)
• University of Michigan Health System
• University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center

His work across these organizations ensures that the latest clinical trial data is translated directly into the guidelines used by oncologists worldwide to improve mesothelioma patient outcomes.

Dr. Gregory P. Kalemkerian’s Work in Cancer Treatment & Clinical Trials

Dr. Kalemkerian is actively involved in clinical trials focused on thoracic cancers, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.

His work includes research on:

• First-line and advanced therapies for mesothelioma
• New treatments for small cell lung cancer and NSCLC
• Immunotherapy combinations and targeted therapies

Through his involvement in ASCO and other organizations, he contributes to shaping national standards for cancer treatment.

Dr. Kalemkerian has also discussed how the MARS 2 trial is changing conversations about surgery for mesothelioma. He encourages patients to carefully review the possible benefits, risks, and recovery involved with surgery while also considering other treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

“ What MARS2 showed was that not doing a pleurectomy with decortication (P/D) and just having chemotherapy was actually superior to P/D with regard to survival, mortality, and quality of life.”
– Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian, mesothelioma specialist

Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian’s Cancer Research and Published Works

Dr. Kalemkerian has contributed to numerous studies focused on mesothelioma and thoracic oncology.

Some of his published works include:

• Debate Highlights Ongoing Divide Over Surgery in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Published in IASLC Lung Cancer News (ILCN), February 2026.
• Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma: Insights From Professor Gregory P. Kalemkerian’s Lecture in Armenia. Published in OncoDaily, September 2025.
• Short Report of a Phase II Trial of Nintedanib in Recurrent Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) (Wozniak et al., 2023). Published in Clinical Lung Cancer, September 2023.
• Phase I Trial of Cediranib in Combination With Cisplatin and Pemetrexed in Chemonaive Patients With Unresectable Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (SWOG S0905) (Tsao et al., 2017). Published in Journal of Thoracic Oncology, August 2017.

His research has helped improve understanding of mesothelioma biology and treatment strategies.

Use our Free Doctor Match to speak with mesothelioma specialists like Dr. Kalemkerian about clinical trials, immunotherapy, and emerging treatments.

Connect With Dr. Gregory Kalemkerian for Treatment

Being diagnosed with mesothelioma can be overwhelming, especially when trying to find the right treatment.

Dr Gregory Kalemkerian is known for his thoughtful, research-driven approach and his commitment to helping patients understand their care. His experience in clinical trials and advanced therapies offers access to new possibilities for treatment.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we connect patients and families with experienced specialists, treatment centers, and support resources.

If you or a loved one has mesothelioma, call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to explore your treatment options with Dr. Kalemkerian and other top specialists.