Eileen M. O'Reilly, MD

My research focuses on developing new therapies for pancreatic cancer, such as:

• Gene-based treatments.
• Immunotherapy (including vaccines).
• Personalized treatments that target a cancer’s unique molecular makeup.

I also lead many clinical trials for people with this disease. Our hope is that this work leads to approved treatments that help people with pancreatic cancer live longer and have a better quality of life.

I co-direct a major federally-funded grant called the Specialized Program in Research Excellence (SPORE) for pancreatic cancer. This grant supports investigators using the latest molecular biology and clinical advances to improve care for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

I have authored and co-authored more than 400 articles, editorials, and book chapters. I also serve as Associate/Senior Editor for several major journals.

In addition to caring for patients and leading research, I am Chair of MSK’s Human Research Protection Program and the Institutional Review and Privacy Board. In this role, I work closely with a team of people to oversee how research is conducted at MSK.

Education is another important part of my work. I teach and mentor national and international oncology fellows, junior faculty, residents, house staff, and students. It’s an honor to have been recognized with many teaching awards for these efforts.

Outside of MSK, I work with groups and experts around the world to improve care for people with pancreas and hepatobiliary cancers. I am Co-Chair of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) Alliance Co-Operative Group Gastrointestinal Cancers Committee and a member of the NCI’s Gastrointestinal Cancers Steering Committee. These committees are involved in developing and overseeing federally-funded clinical trials in gastrointestinal cancers.

I also serve on the medical and/or scientific advisory board of various organizations and other national/international committees including:

• Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
• American Society of Clinical Oncology Guidelines Committee
• European Society of Medical Oncology Guidelines Committee
• National Pancreas Foundation
• Hirshberg Foundation
• Avner Foundation

In my spare time, I enjoy being with my family, reading, classical music, traveling to Europe and Asia, cultivating plants, and watching films.