Pictured: Mariza Daras

Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Primary brain tumors
  • Gliomas
  • Meningiomas

My Specialties

  • Neuro-oncology
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Get to Know Me

I’m a neurologist and neuro-oncologist with advanced training at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK). I care for adults with primary brain tumors and cancers of the central nervous system. This includes:

  • Gliomas, which are most common type of primary brain tumor, including high-grade gliomas
  • Glioblastoma, a more aggressive type of brain tumor
  • Brain metastases, where cancer spreads to the brain from another part of the body
  • Leptomeningeal disease, which affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord

I see patients at the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion in New York City and MSK Nassau on Long Island.

At MSK, I work closely with many different experts. This includes neurosurgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, and other specialists. We work together to develop a personal treatment plan that reflects each patient’s diagnosis, molecular profile of the tumor, prior treatment, overall health, and goals.

I explain complex information clearly. This helps patients and families make informed decisions and feel supported at every step of their treatment.

My research focuses on improving treatment for gliomas and central nervous system metastases. I have led clinical trials that study latest treatments such targeted therapies and immunotherapies. I have also led clinical trials on oncolytic viruses (viruses that destroy cancer cells), and treatment combinations that involve radiation therapy.

I’m interested in using molecular information, advanced MRI and PET imaging, and analysis of blood and cerebrospinal fluid to better understand treatment response and identify promising therapeutic strategies.

In the past, I have led a central nervous system metastasis program. I have also led efforts to expand clinical care, collaboration across teams, and access to clinical trials related to neuro-oncology.

What I Do at MSK

I'm a neurologist and neuro-oncologist, which is a doctor with training in both neurology and neuro-oncology. A neurologist treats problems of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. A neuro-oncologist treats cancers of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. This includes brain tumors and central nervous system tumors.

  • Associate Attending Physician
Areas of Expertise

Conditions I Treat

  • Primary brain tumors
  • Gliomas
  • Meningiomas
  • Ependymoma
  • Brain metastases
  • Leptomeningeal disease

My Specialties

  • Neuro-oncology
This list shows some key areas of focus, but it may not cover all expertise. When making an appointment, you will be matched with the best healthcare provider for your needs.
Education & Honors

Education

  • Bachelor of Arts, Biochemistry, New York University
  • MD, Columbia University

Residencies

  • Internal Medicine Internship, Duke University Medical Center
  • Neurology, Duke University Medical Center
  • Chief Resident, Neurology, Duke University Medical Center

Fellowships

  • Neuro-Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
  • Chief Fellow, Neuro-Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Board Certifications

  • Neurology
  • Neuro-oncology

Awards and Honors

  • Transforming Leaders Program, American Academy of Neurology (2020)
  • Medical Student Travel Award, American Neurologic Association (2008)
  • National Institute of Health Summer Research Fellowship (2004)

Insurance Information

Understanding your insurance options is an important part of managing your cancer care. We have relationships with many common healthcare providers and plans.

Learn more about the insurance plans that participate with MSK.

If you don't have health insurance or are worried that your care may not be fully covered, our financial assistance programs may be able to help.

Health plans can change at any time. Call the number on the back of your insurance card to see what your plan covers. Make sure it covers the MSK location where you’ll get care.

If you have questions about insurance, call us at 646-497-9176.

Make an Appointment

Current Patients
Request an appointment by calling your Care Team or messaging them in MSK MyChart.

Contact and Location

Location
Uniondale, NY
New York, NY
1101 Hempstead Turnpike Uniondale NY 11553
160 East 53rd Street New York NY 10022

Looking to see a doctor at a different location? See all MSK locations.

Colleagues

Doctors at Memorial Sloan Kettering work as teams, with specialists from all different areas. This allows us to consider all your needs together, and to give you the best possible care.

See all Brain Tumor Service doctors

Clinical Trials

Smiling doctors in the lab
Find a Clinical Trial for You

Memorial Sloan Kettering's doctors and scientists are constantly developing new treatments for cancer. MSK is typically running hundreds of clinical trials at a given time.

You may be able to participate in a clinical trial even if you are new to MSK. Search our online directory to find trial information and see more about who can participate.

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Research and Publications

Publications on PubMed

Visit PubMed for a full listing of Dr. Daras’s journal articles. Pubmed is an online index of research papers and other articles from the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health.

See all on PubMed