Andrew Kung, MD, PhD

Cancer is a frightening diagnosis. It is especially devastating when it occurs in a young person. Because childhood cancers are rare, every child with cancer deserves to be treated in an academic medical center by a team with the experience and knowledge to offer the most-advanced therapies. I feel privileged to lead the dedicated faculty and staff of MSK Kids, which is the largest pediatric oncology program in the United States. We combine the deep expertise of our care teams with the latest scientific approaches to develop the best care plans for our patients while enhancing their well-being. 

In my research, I use cutting-edge technologies to pinpoint the molecular roots of cancer and use that new information to improve pediatric cancer treatment. The knowledge we gain when we care for patients also helps drive discovery. My translational research is bidirectional. That means my team takes the latest scientific discoveries from the laboratory and applies them to the care of patients. In turn, how patients fare with their disease in response to treatment tells us what we need to explore in the lab.

As Chair, I am also responsible for advancing MSK’s mission to train the next generation of leaders in pediatric oncology as well as the physician-scientists who will pioneer the therapies of the future. Graduates from our esteemed fellowship program take the advanced knowledge and skills that they learn here to hospitals and industries around the world, spreading MSK’s expertise far beyond our walls to help children everywhere.

In all of these pursuits, my primary focus has been and will always be the care and well-being of our young patients. I feel honored to collaborate with colleagues who share this passion. It is a pleasure to work in an institution so strongly focused on providing exceptional care for children with cancer and blood disorders.