Andrew D. Seidman, MD

Patients and their loved ones are naturally concerned about how breast cancer will affect their survival and quality of life. The large amount of information available on the internet often leads people to feel overwhelmed and confused. My goal is to provide them with expert, evidence-based guidance in terms of diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment, along with humane and compassionate care. I trust that this, along with the tremendously skilled team that works with me, reassures patients and leaves them feeling hopeful, optimistic, realistic, and secure in the knowledge that they are in capable and caring hands here at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK).

For me, oncology, more than any other specialty, demands a deep understanding of physiology, genetics/genomics, and humanity — and represents a great unmet need. Meaningful and rewarding patient experiences during my residency in internal medicine, an early exposure to outpatient medical oncology practice, and strong role models were important factors in my decision to become an oncologist.

Outcomes for people with breast cancer have steadily improved over the past 30 years, thanks to a tremendous increase in the understanding of underlying biology that has informed advances in surgical, medical, and radiation treatment. As the last chemotherapy drug for breast cancer was introduced well over a decade ago, there has been a shift away from conventional toxic chemotherapy to targeted therapies, which generally have fewer side effects. It has been exciting for me to be a part of this movement by designing and leading phase 1, 2, and 3 clinical trials.

My research has focused on studying new chemotherapeutic agents and targeted drugs for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer. Over the past decade, I have worked to identify better medical therapies to improve outcomes for people with breast cancer metastasis to the brain. I continue to lead and engage in interdisciplinary research in this area with my colleagues at MSK and beyond. These ongoing efforts will likely lead to changes in the way patients are treated in coming years.

Overall, I subscribe to a “work hard, play hard” philosophy! In my spare time, I enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, gardening, baking, and reading. I recently organized a book club that meets every three months, which has been especially enjoyable. I cherish the time I get to spend with my family and look forward to being able to travel more easily to see the world as the pandemic subsides.