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James L. Rubenstein
4.9 out of 5 (159)
James L. Rubenstein

James L. Rubenstein, MD

Hematology Oncology | Lymphoma

Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy (HBC) Program
400 Parnassus Ave., Fourth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2421
4.9 out of 5 (159)
Virtual visits available
4.9 out of 5 (159)
Virtual visits available
Hematology, Blood & Marrow Transplant, and Cellular Therapy (HBC) Program
400 Parnassus Ave., Fourth Floor,
San Francisco, CA 94143
(415) 353-2421

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.

  • Board Certifications

    American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, 1998

  • Fellowships

    UCSF, 1997

  • Residencies

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 1995

  • Internship

    Stanford University School of Medicine, 1993

  • Degree

    Weill Cornell Medical College, 1992

  • Languages

    English

Conditions I specialize in

Where I see patients (1)

    My reviews

    4.9

    Overall Experience
    159 Ratings
    About our process
    Mar 20, 2025
    Great experience
    Mar 05, 2025
    The Best!!!
    Feb 26, 2025
    The experience with my doctor was so good and so helpful. He is truly one of the best doctors I believe at UCSF. I am so blessed to have him/Dr. RubensteinIn my life as he has been helpful through my entire cancer journey.
    Jan 17, 2025
    There is no one on Earth can find in comparison to my provider
    Jan 17, 2025
    Dr. Rubenstein is a good person and a great doctor.
    Oct 13, 2024
    Dr.Rubenstein and his team are excellent to me
    Aug 15, 2024
    Excellent
    Jul 01, 2024
    Dr. Rubenstein was very helpful to immediately letting me know the results of my MRI and Blood test. He put me at ease very quickly. And I appreciate his answers to all my questions.
    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.

    Selected research

    See all research
    Decorative Caduceus

    A Study of NX-5948 in Adults With Relapsed/Refractory B-cell Malignancies

    Phase 1a

    Recruiting

    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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