Danielle Bello, MD

When patients come to me, they are often concerned about what their diagnosis means for their well-being and quality of life. I understand that a cancer diagnosis can be unnerving, and I take the time to answer patients’ questions about their disease patiently and empathetically. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, I work closely with colleagues across medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, nursing, and supportive care, who all specialize in the treatment of cutaneous malignancies. We spend time with our patients and their loved ones to understand their unique needs and wishes and ultimately, to recommend a treatment plan that is best for them.

I decided to pursue a career in oncology because I felt that this field was where I could make a difference. Most people will be affected by cancer at some point in their lives, either personally or through connection to a loved one, and this can take both a physical and an emotional toll. I wanted to be a part of their solution—not just by surgically treating their disease, but also by supporting them in their journey and individualizing their care so they get the best possible treatment for them. It is important to me that patients and their caregivers know that they are receiving personalized, state-of-the-art care and feel uplifted by our team of experts at each step in the process.

In addition to providing compassionate care to all who come to me, I am committed to bettering outcomes for patients with cutaneous malignancies through the study of different subsets of melanoma, such as acral melanoma. The less common types of melanomas are genetically distinct from the more common cutaneous melanomas. By better understanding these differences, I believe that we can improve how we care for people with these diseases.

Beyond researching these subsets, I am also investigating new ways to combine surgery with immunotherapy to boost outcomes in patients with advanced or melanoma that has metastasized or spread to other parts of the body. I am currently involved in studies aimed at defining the role of injecting highly concentrated drugs directly into skin lesions for patients with metastatic disease to improve their outcomes.

I enjoy spending time with my husband and three children and traveling together when we can.