Neil M. Iyengar, MD

My research investigates the links between metabolic health and cancer. I work with a highly productive team composed of clinical and laboratory scientists at Memorial Sloan Kettering, Weill Cornell Medical College, and the Rockefeller University, where I hold a joint research position. Our team has established inflammation in the breast to be a key contributor to obesity-related breast cancers. As obesity rates are on the rise in the United States and worldwide, we are seeing an increase in obesity-related cancers. We have shown that inflammation in the fatty tissue of the breast and at other anatomic sites occurs in most obese and overweight individuals and even in some individuals who are normal weight. Therefore a key component of my research program is the development of clinical trials — including diets, exercise, and medications — that aim to prevent obesity-related cancers as well as improve outcomes in patients with fatty-tissue inflammation.

I work closely with nurse practitioner Odessa M. Williams. We combine our expertise to provide comprehensive care to our patients at every step of their cancer journey.