Mark B. Geyer, MD

I often meet patients and their families and caregivers during a very challenging and emotionally charged period in their lives. I value the strong partnerships I form with our patients and their caregivers through both illness and wellness. I want us to make important decisions about care together.

Caring for and adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients with leukemia is particularly important to me. At the time of their diagnosis, many AYAs with leukemia are continuing education or training, starting their careers, and building relationships and families. In my role as AYA Program Leader for the Leukemia Service, I work with other providers in the Lisa and Scott Stuart Center for Adolescent and Young Adult Cancers to meet the unique medical, social, and emotional needs of our AYA patients and their families. These efforts include ensuring our AYA patients have access to well-designed clinical trials run by both the Pediatric and Adult Leukemia Services.

As a researcher, I want to improve the way we treat blood cancers. My research focuses on learning about and developing safe and effective therapies for acute lymphoblastic leukemia and other lymphocytic cancers. I have a strong interest, for example, in using the power of the immune system to fight blood cancers more effectively. This treatment approach is called immunotherapy. I am working to develop and deliver chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies for people with leukemia or lymphoma. This field holds great promise, though it has a different set of challenges compared with traditional chemotherapy. Because of the skill and experience of the nurses and doctors at MSK, we can deliver the newest treatments in the safest possible manner.

When I meet with patients, my goal is for them to leave the appointment feeling informed and empowered. I want them to know that they are in good hands. I listen carefully to their perspective and address their concerns. I also explain the range of options available to us, outline the advantages and disadvantages of each, and offer my recommendation. I often remind my patients and their families that we never stop caring for them. Our entire team of experts will be there to support and guide them through all the stages of their journey.