Eric Mallack, MD, MBE

I am a pediatric neurologist who specializes in the care of children affected by a group of neurometabolic disorders known as leukodystrophies. I am a member of the MSK Kids team and Director of the Leukodystrophy Center at Weill Cornell Medicine. Together we partner to deliver care and conduct research through the Weill Cornell Medicine-MSK Metabolic Cell and Gene Therapy Program.

I have particular expertise in a disorder called X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD). ALD mainly affects males and impairs the body’s ability to break down certain fats. In general, this leads to disease of the adrenal glands, degeneration of the spinal cord, and in 40 percent of cases a fatal brain disease of childhood called cerebral ALD (cALD). The only effective treatment for cALD is a stem cell transplant before the disease becomes too advanced. I conduct research focused on gene therapy for cALD and other leukodystrophies. I am also investigating advanced neuroimaging techniques to identify which patients with X-linked ALD are most appropriate for stem cell transplantation before they develop symptoms.

I believe in a multidisciplinary approach to care, which is a team effort between the patient, physicians, parents, social workers, nutritionists, pediatric subspecialists, and mental health professionals as needed. Our team aims to connect patients and families with patient advocacy groups and research opportunities to make accurate diagnoses, strengthen support networks, and develop effective treatments for these often-devastating neurological diseases of childhood.