Dr. James Fetten

Dr. James Fetten, MD, is a medical oncologist with more than 20 years of experience specializing in the care of patients with head and neck cancer. He practices at the David H. Koch Center for Cancer Care in New York City and at MSK Westchester, both part of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he returned after an extensive career in upstate New York. Dr. Fetten began his oncology training at Memorial Sloan Kettering and went on to serve as Chief of Oncology for a major health system, as well as president of his local county medical society. His return to MSK represents a full-circle moment in a career defined by deep commitment to oncologic care.

Dr. Fetten has broad expertise in developing and implementing individualized treatment plans for head and neck cancer, incorporating chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and combinations of these approaches. He works closely with each patient and their family to design a strategy suited to their specific needs and goals. His clinical philosophy centers on commitment, compassion, and a personal doctor-patient partnership, recognizing that navigating cancer is a shared journey requiring both clinical rigor and human connection.

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Fetten has a strong interest in the role of lifestyle factors, particularly physical activity and nutrition, during cancer treatment and survivorship. This interest was sparked by his participation in the Tour of Hope, a 3,300-mile cross-country cycling event raising awareness about cancer and research, where he rode alongside cancer survivors and caregivers. Inspired by their resilience and the positive role physical activity played in their experience, he founded a cycling-centered physical activity program for cancer survivors in upstate New York. He remains an avid cyclist and continues to champion the integration of lifestyle approaches into comprehensive cancer care.