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Tari A. King, FACS
Tari King, M.D. is an Assistant Attending Surgeon on the Breast Service in the Department of Surgery at MSKCC. Her clinical expertise is in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast cancer. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. King has an active interest in translational research and is the PI of the William F. Keck Laboratory for Breast Cancer Research at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
The overriding theme of the translational research performed in my laboratory has been to elucidate the molecular genetics of breast cancer, focusing on high risk populations such as those with hereditary breast cancer and high risk benign lesions, as well as on the mechanisms involved in the progression from non-invasive to invasive disease.
One of our major efforts has to been to elucidate the molecular genetics underpinning the progression of lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) to invasive disease. Historical data suggests that LCIS is not an obligate precursor to invasive disease; however recent clinical and laboratory observations have re-opened the debate regarding the true significance of LCIS and its possible malignant potential. Our hypothesis is that LCIS is a heterogeneous lesion which can be characterized at the molecular level, and that molecular alterations present in LCIS can be used to predict the risk of subsequent ILC. We are currently testing this hypothesis using a variety of gene expression assays with the support of the genomics core facility. This project is supported by an Exceptional Project Award from the Breast Cancer Alliance and by the 2009 Association of Women Surgeons Foundation Award.
In addition to this work we are investigating the signaling pathways involved in the progression of ductal carcinoma in situ to invasive ductal cancer. Specifically we are focusing on the role of Her2-neu and other downstream targets in the Her2/PI3K pathway. In collaboration with Dr. Neal Rosen and members of his laboratory, we are utilizing immunohistochemistry with novel antibodies to investigate these pathways in parallel to pre-clinical assays being performed by Dr. Rosen’s team. We are also working with Dr. Rosen’s team to investigate potential mechanisms of Herceptin resistance among patients who have progressed on anti-Her 2 therapy.
Appointments for New Patients
646-497-9064
Phone
212-639-7308
Education
MD, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center
Residencies
Ochsner Medical Institutions (New Orleans)
Fellowships
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center
Board Certifications
General Surgery
Clinical Expertise
Breast Cancer
Department & Service
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