 |
|
|
|
 |
Nai-Kong V. Cheung
 |
Nai-Kong V. Cheung Head, Neuroblastoma Program; Enid A. Haupt Chair in Pediatric Oncology
|
|
|
I am a pediatric oncologist who specializes in immunologic approaches for diagnosing and treating pediatric cancers. My main focus is the treatment of neuroblastoma, a tumor that arises from primitive cells of the sympathetic nervous system and that primarily affects young children. My colleagues and I have developed multi-modality therapies that have dramatically improved the outlook for patients with metastatic neuroblastoma. More than 50 percent of patients treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering survive the disease today, compared to fewer than 5 percent in the 1980s. Also, more than 90 percent of patients with localized neuroblastoma can be cured today, many of whom can be treated effectively with surgery alone.
We have recently initiated a new treatment approach for metastatic neuroblastoma, referred to as protocol N8, which brings together all the best known methods for attacking this disease: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, bone marrow transplantation, isotretinoin, and immunotherapy with the monoclonal antibody 3F8. We are also actively involved in early clinical trials of new therapies, including biologics and vaccines, and their combinations with other treatments. Our theory is that effective treatments for neuroblastoma will provide a paradigm for other metastatic solid tumors of children and adolescents.
In the laboratory, we continue to unmask the genetic and biochemical makeup of neuroblastic tumors. These tumor profiles at the time of diagnosis can tell us how aggressive a tumor is and what kind of therapy is most effective. We are also developing additional antibody-based targeted therapies for the treatment of other solid tumors in children and adolescents.
Phone
212-639-8401
Education
MD, Harvard Medical School; PhD,
Harvard University
Residencies
Stanford University Medical Center
Fellowships
Stanford University Medical Center
Board Certifications
Pediatrics; Pediatric Hematology-Oncology
Clinical Expertise
Pediatric Oncology; Neuroblastoma and
Developmental Tumors of Childhood;
Immunotherapy; Autologous Bone Marrow
Transplantation
Department & Service
|
|
|
|
|
|
