Tara O’Donohue, MD, MS

At MSK, I also help lead the Pediatric Translational Medicine Program’s (PTMP) clinical service. This program allows us to closely study and sequence tumors for mutations and other molecular changes in every child and young adult with cancer at MSK. The information that we learn about a patient’s tumor may provide valuable clues that can be used to select the most appropriate therapies for each patient. It also allows us to start new research projects and develop potentially lifesaving drugs.

Many of the early-phase clinical trials that we conduct through the PTMP are focused on getting the “right drug” to the “right patient.” Historically, we would treat all patients with a certain type of cancer the same way; however, thanks to recent advances in genomic profiling and increased accessibility of these technologies, we are starting to understand what makes each tumor different. This means that we can tailor treatments to the unique biology of a patient’s cancer.

It is not only exciting due to the rapid advances in scientific discovery in our field, but also because these findings may have broad-reaching impact, improving patient outcomes on a large scale.

Patients and families who are seeking early-phase clinical trials have often already gone through so much, and I acknowledge that finding the right trial can be a long and strenuous process. Therefore, when I meet a patient and their family for the first time, I try to learn as much as I can about them, as each child and family have unique experiences, values, and goals. This way, I am best positioned to support each patient and family based on their specific situation and preferences while considering the most up to date scientific evidence when creating a treatment plan with our dedicated team of experts at MSK Kids (physicians, advance practice providers, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, researchers, and more).

I initially became interested in pediatric cancer care and research when a family member of mine was being treated at MSK. At the time, I decided to volunteer with Child Life Services, and I was completely in awe of the pediatric patients’ resilience and their families’ strength and grace. I am humbled to be able to provide care for children and young adults affected by cancer, and I am honored to do so alongside an incredibly dedicated team at MSK Kids who work tirelessly to inch closer to finding a cure for pediatric cancer.