James L. Rubenstein

MD PhD

Hematologist-oncologist

Dr. James Rubenstein is a hematologist-oncologist, or a specialist in blood disorders. He has particular expertise in treating patients with neurologic complications from cancer, including patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma involving the brain (called central nervous system lymphoma). He also specializes in patients with cancer that has spread to the brain from other parts of the body.

In his research, Rubenstein investigates immunologic tools to improve tumor response to chemotherapy and radiation treatment, and to minimize toxicity from treatment. He is also interested in developing tumor biomarkers to diagnose brain tumors.

Rubenstein earned his medical degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and completed a residency in internal medicine at Stanford Medicine. He earned a doctorate in molecular and cellular neurosciences at the Rockefeller University. He completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at UCSF, which included training in neuro-oncology.

Rubenstein has won research awards from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the National Cancer Institute. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Association for Cancer Research.

  • Education

    Cornell University Medical College, 1992

  • Residencies

    Stanford, Internal Medicine, 1995

  • Fellowships

    UCSF Cancer Research Institute, Hematology/Oncology, 1997

  • Board Certifications

    Medical Oncology, American Board of Internal Medicine

  • Academic Title

    Professor

  • Languages

    French

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    165 Ratings
    About our process
    Aug 15, 2024
    Excellent
    Jun 20, 2024
    Dr. Rubenstein saved my life with his knowledge of PCNS Lymphoma. That's why heIs now known as Dr. Genius.
    May 04, 2024
    Dr Rubenstein is listening with carefully about my concerns always.
    Apr 11, 2024
    My care provider treated me like his family
    Mar 16, 2024
    My oncologist is always listening my concerns And spend well time with not only professional but empathy and compassion.
    Mar 12, 2024
    Was able to talk to the doctor at ease, easy to communicate
    Jan 09, 2024
    Dr Rubenstein was great. Asked many times if I had any questions or concerns. Being a nurse, it was very important to be given the opportunity to ask about or question the care plan.
    Dec 19, 2023
    Care provider was so attentive.
    Dec 09, 2023
    Very professional.
    Dec 05, 2023
    I appreciate the fact that Dr Rubenstein listens so carefully and that he wants to know about my health as a whole.
    Nov 11, 2023
    I was at ease conversing with the provider.Very accommodating .
    Nov 07, 2023
    Dr Rubenstein is the best. I believed he saved my life in 2020 with his expert care, analysis and treatment.
    Oct 15, 2023
    Dr .Rubenstein and all his assistants are perfect. I can not ask for better.
    Oct 07, 2023
    I LOVE Dr Rubenstein UCSF is very lucky to have him.
    Aug 30, 2023
    Feeling satisfied every time II have conversation with my care provider.
    Aug 09, 2023
    Doctor is easy to talk to.
    Aug 04, 2023
    I really appreciate the fact that Dr Rubenstein is concerned about my health as a whole. He encourages me to keep walking regularly and to watch my blood pressure. He listens to my health concerns and what's going on in my life. It helps me to have a more positive outlook in managing my health.
    Jul 25, 2023
    Dr. Rubenstein is personable, kind, and thorough. He listens to his patients and offers advice and options for you to consider.
    Jul 20, 2023
    The provider was attentive to my concerns.
    Jul 11, 2023
    Dr Rubenstein Is always responsive to my questions and concerns and addresses them in a caring way.
    Jun 29, 2023
    Care provider explained well, answer my question, assured me that I will be taken care of.
    Jun 09, 2023
    Wording, maybe less multiple emphasis on death from safe procedures for anxious patient...
    May 30, 2023
    Able to talk to care giver with ease.
    May 09, 2023
    Dr Rubenstein is very thorough in coordinating my treatment in and out of the hospital. He always takes time to check in with all of us on the calls. My family and I feel very fortunate that he is my doctor. His expertise with PCNS lymphoma and commitment to an aggressive treatment for me inspires our confidence and trust.
    Apr 14, 2023
    Supranational
    Mar 31, 2023
    Dr Rubenstein is such wonderful Dr. I can't ask more.
    Mar 21, 2023
    Wonderful and insightful experience
    Jan 21, 2023
    Excellent
    Nov 10, 2022
    Dr Rubenstein is one of the best. An expert at his height still listens to the needs of patients and family.
    Nov 03, 2022
    Dr Rubenstein is most wonderful MD I ever met.

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    Tafasitamab Plus Lenalidomide in Relapsed CNS Lymphoma

    Toxicities will be classified using the NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The DLT will be based on the tolerability observed during the first cycle. In order for a patient to be assessed for D...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Testing the Addition of Lenalidomide and Nivolumab to the Usual Treatment for Primary CNS Lymph...

    Defined as the dose level below the lowest dose that induces dose-limiting toxicity in at least one-third of patients (at least 2 of a maximum of 6 new patients). The number and severity of all adverse events will be tabulated and...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Feasibility of Acquiring Hyperpolarized Imaging in Patients With Primary CNS Lymphoma

    The Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE version 5.0) will be used to classify and graded any adverse events that occur after the participant has received the hyperpolarized 13C injection.

    Recruiting

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