Atif Jalees Khan, MD, MS

Radiation oncology is in the middle of a technology revolution. We are creating new tools and techniques that can deliver treatment at a precise level we never could have imagined before. We have also come a long way in understanding the biology of various cancers. All of this means that many people with cancer have better outcomes with fewer side effects. I’m excited to be a part of this progress as a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering team. MSK combines cutting-edge treatment and research with a history of excellence like no other.

I am heavily involved in clinical and translational research, particularly for breast cancer. Many of the studies I am currently leading are national and multi-institutional. These trials will fundamentally affect how we treat and think about breast cancer. I have also studied accelerated partial breast irradiation. This approach limits radiation to a tumor site, and it cuts down the number of treatment sessions, so patients don’t need to come to the clinic as often. I am also interested in how we can use drugs to make cancer cells more susceptible to the effects of radiation.

Receiving a diagnosis complicates the lives of people with cancer and their caregivers in many unanticipated ways. I experienced this firsthand when my mother was treated for breast cancer. I remember how much my parents valued her doctor’s time and having a personal connection as they navigated the unfamiliar world of hospitals and treatment centers. My experience with my family influences how I care for people with cancer, and I feel privileged to be a part of their lives.