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- Marcus Messmer
Marcus Messmer, MD

Assistant Professor, Department of Hematology/Oncology
Specialties
- Medical Oncology ;
- Hematology Oncology
Areas of Expertise
Lymphoma
Research Program
Treatment Philosophy
A cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and life-altering event. I am honored to have the privilege of guiding patients and their families through each step of their care. The rapid pace of oncology research has led to the introduction of many novel and targeted therapies, and I take a collaborative approach to personalizing these treatment options for my patients. I am excited to join a comprehensive and multidisciplinary team at Fox Chase that can support patients and families through their treatment and recovery.
Clinical Locations
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Fox Chase Cancer Center333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111
Phone: 888-369-2427
Educational Background
- 2018-2021 - Fellow, Medical Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- 2014-2017 - Resident, Internal Medicine, Osler Medical Housestaff Training Program, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
- 2014-2015 - Intern, Internal Medicine, Osler Medical Housestaff Training Program, Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD
- 2014 - MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- 2009 - Post-Baccalaureate, Premedical Program, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- 2005 - BS, Mathematics, BA, Philosophy, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, High Distinction with Honors
Certifications
- American Board of Internal Medicine - Internal Medicine
- American Board of Internal Medicine - Medical Oncology
Memberships
- 2018-Present - American Society of Clinical Oncology, Member in Training
Honors & Awards
- 2024 - Philadelphia Magazine, Top Doctors
- 2020 - Merit Award, ASCO Annual Meeting
- 2014 - Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- 2005 - Betty Neal Hamilton Award, Department of Philosophy, Indiana University
- 2005 - Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Indiana University
- 2004 - Wilcox Scholarship, Department of Mathematics, Indiana University
- 2003 - Hennel Memorial Scholarship, Department of Mathematics, Indiana University
- 2001-2005 - Honors College Scholarship, Indiana University
Research Interests
- Developed and authored a multicenter phase II trial investigating venetoclax and rituximab as fist line treatment of mantle cell lymphoma in patient ineligible for aggressive therapy
- Investigated incidence, clinical characteristics, outcomes, and response to treatment of patients with large granular lymphocytosis after allogenic blood or marrow transplantation
- Developed database of patients with cutaneous T cell lymphoma to investigate risk of second malignancies and possible genetic predisposition

Michael Ples
- Lymphoma
My cancer journey started one day in the summer of 2022 when I discovered what felt like a pimple on the back of my neck. The next day, the “pimple” had vanished, but two weeks later it was back, and this time it didn’t go away. Over just a few days, it grew so rapidly that I finally went to a local hospital to get it checked out.
Selected Publications
Messmer M, Wake L, Tsai HL, Jones RJ, Varadhan R, Wagner-Johnston N. Large Granular Lymphocytosis With Cytopenias After Allogeneic Blood or Marrow Transplantation: Clinical Characteristics and Response to Immunosuppressive Therapy. Transplant Cell Ther. 2021 Mar;27(3):260.e1-260.e6. doi: 10.1016/j.jtct.2020.12.008. Epub 2020 Dec 16. PMID: 33781530
Messmer M, Tsai HL, Varadhan R, Swinnen LJ, Jones RJ, Ambinder RF, Shanbhag SP, Borowitz MJ, Wagner-Johnston N. R-CHOP without radiation in frontline management of primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma. Leuk Lymphoma. 2019 May;60(5):1261-1265. doi: 10.1080/10428194.2018.1519812. Epub 2019 Jan 18. PMID: 30656983; PMCID: PMC6472975
Additional Publications
The following ratings and reviews are based on verified feedback collected from independently administered patient experience surveys. The ratings and comments submitted by patients reflect their own views and opinions. Patient identities are withheld to ensure confidentiality and privacy. Learn more about our Patient Experience Ratings.
Ratings Breakdown
Overall Care
4.9
Explained Things Clearly
4.9
Showed Courtesy & Respect
4.9
Discussed Treatment Options
4.9
Recommend Provider
5.0
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Patient comments
I was very pleased with the visit.
Outstanding provider care
Very pleased with services
Dr. Messmer was amazingly competent, smart and interested in my lymphoma diagnosis.
I was there for a second opinion on my treatment for CLL. Everyone at Fox Chase was very professional. Talking with the Doctor made gave me peace of mind on my treatments at the Helen Graham Center in Delaware. Thank you to all of the staff