Chair, Department of Medicine; Patrick M. Byrne Chair in Clinical Oncology
I am a medical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of genitourinary tumors, particularly testicular cancer (a germ-cell tumor). My research has helped to identify more effective and less toxic treatment, a marker chromosome for germ-cell tumors that allows more specific treatment for this disease, and tumor studies that may enable a better understanding of why these tumors spread and fail to respond to treatment. I have also been involved in clinical trials to evaluate new therapies for patients with head and neck cancer that are designed to help control the disease while preserving speech and swallowing function.
As Chair of the Department of Medicine, I oversee a department that is on the leading edge of developing and testing better cancer therapies. Some of these therapies target the specific defects in cancer cells that distinguish them from normal cells while theoretically sparing the healthy cells from attack. For example, our investigators are testing vaccines for breast, prostate, and other cancers. Our goal is to find treatments that are specific enough to attack the machinery that allows a cell to grow and divide. Many such drugs are being evaluated in clinical trials.
One sidelight activity to my responsibilities at MSKCC is talking to lay and professional groups about the progress that is being made in cancer treatment and research. These forums are important because they provide an opportunity to ask questions to individuals whose specialty is cancer care and who are knowledgeable about the latest advances in treatment and research.
Appointments for New Patients
646-497-9068
Phone
212-639-8473
Education
MD, Creighton University School of Medicine
Residencies
The New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center; Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Fellowships
University of Minnesota
Board Certifications
Internal Medicine; Medical Oncology
Clinical Expertise
General Medical Oncology; Germ Cell and Other Genitourinary Tumors; Head and Neck Cancers
