Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York
Who We Are
Recognized around the world for excellence, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is consistently ranked as one of the nation's top two cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report. We are designated by the National Cancer Institute as a Comprehensive Cancer Center and are a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
A Team Effort
Patients at MSKCC benefit from individualized treatment plans developed by a team of specialists with an unsurpassed depth and breadth of experience. The teams include surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, nurses and other professionals who are all specialists in treating patients with a specific type of cancer (such as breast cancer, lung cancer, etc.). They develop treatment plans that reflect their combined expertise so that patients who need several different types of therapy will receive the best and most comprehensive plan based on their specific condition.
Getting the Correct Diagnosis
For cancer to be treated most effectively, getting the correct diagnosis right from the start is crucial. At MSKCC, we use the most advanced imaging technologies, such as combined PET/CT and nuclear medicine scans, to accurately detect cancer and pinpoint its exact location.
Our highly specialized pathologists analyze some 40,000 tumor samples annually to determine a precise diagnosis and the extent of disease (called staging). Increasingly, new technology enables them to identify the molecular differences among tumors, allowing even greater precision in diagnosis. Our physicians then define treatment plans that reflect the most recent understanding of how to defeat a patient’s specific type of tumor.
Unparalleled Surgical Expertise
Recent studies have shown that, for many cancers, patients have fewer complications and better outcomes if they have surgery at a hospital where high volumes of these operations are performed by surgeons with vast experience in the procedure. MSKCC surgeons are among the most experienced cancer surgeons in the world. They use the latest surgical technology, including robotic and minimally invasive techniques, as well as interventional radiology for embolization, thermal ablation, and chemical ablation of tumors. In their quest to spare or reconstruct organs and preserve function, they are renowned for not only saving lives, but preserving the quality of life.
Oncologists with World Renowned Expertise
Our medical oncologists are leaders in developing new chemotherapy drugs that are safer and more effective than standard therapies. In treating patients, they also help manage any side effects of chemotherapy, such as nausea and fatigue, so patients can continue their usual activities wherever possible. Increasingly, our medical oncologists use advanced technologies, such as immunotherapies or vaccines, often in combination with chemotherapy.
Leaders in Radiation Therapy
MSKCC’s radiation oncologists are highly skilled in complex treatment planning and sophisticated delivery techniques. For example, they have furthered intensity-modulated radiation therapy with image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT). IGRT enables them to image a tumor just before or even during a radiation treatment so they can adjust the radiation beams to pinpoint tumors with extreme accuracy. In some cases, our doctors may use radiation therapy combined with chemotherapy (called chemoradiation), to make tumors more sensitive to the effects of radiation, thus enhancing the chances of success.
Nursing and Supportive Care
Our nurses are essential members of the healthcare team. Their expertise, support, encouragement and deep sense of caring bring tremendous comfort to patients and family members. Our specially trained oncology nurses care for patients throughout their treatment, help manage clinical trials, and educate patients about all aspects of their care.
Specially trained psychiatrists and psychologists help patients deal with the stress, anxiety, and depression that sometimes accompany cancer and its treatment. We also have social workers who ensure that patients receive assistance with housing and transportation needs. They offer individual and family counseling, as well as support groups for both inpatients and outpatients. After treatment, the Post-Treatment Resource Program offers patients seminars, lectures, support groups and practical advice on various issues such as insurance and employment.
Integrative Medicine
Our Integrative Medicine Service offers a full range of complementary therapies, including massage, reflexology, meditation, music therapy and acupuncture. These do not replace medical care but are used along with clinical treatments to help patients relieve stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms, and promote a feeling
Services and Special Capabilities
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Specialized Care Teams
Multidisciplinary teams specialize in treating specific types of cancer. Each team includes surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, nurses, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals. -
Innovative Research
Basic, translational and clinical research programs fuel our progress toward improved cancer therapies. Close collaborations between doctors and researchers support the quick translation of new findings into treatment options for patients. -
Clinical Trials
Focused on finding increasingly effective ways to treat cancer, our physicians are currently leading more than 500 clinical trials for pediatric and adult cancer patients. -
Bone Marrow and Blood Stem Cell Transplants
Having performed more than 4,000 autologous and allogeneic transplants, we now transplant about 250 patients annually. Therapies include T cell-depleted, cord blood, and "mini transplants." Our patients have some of the best outcomes in the nation. -
Regional Outpatient Treatment Centers
In addition to our extensive diagnostic, treatment, and support services for patients in Manhattan, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center has outpatient facilities located in Westchester, New Jersey and on Long Island. -
Clinical Genetics
Hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, and genetic testing is offered by specially trained genetic counselors and physicians to people who are concerned about their personal and/or family history of cancer. -
Pediatrics
We treat more children and young adults with cancer daily than any other institution in the world. Our Pediatric care team includes more than 30 full-time physicians, each of whom has expertise in one or more areas of pediatric oncology or surgery. -
Survivorship
Comprehensive services including counseling, support groups, and follow-up care, help cancer survivors achieve better health after treatment. Our pediatric program focuses on late effects of cancer and treatment among survivors of childhood cancers. -
Pathology
MSKCC pathologists are subspecialized, with expertise in identifying specific types of cancer. They diagnose thousands of cases annually, and are often called upon to consult by other pathologists and physicians from around the world. -
Integrative Medicine
Complementary therapies, including acupuncture, nutrition counseling, massages, mind-body and creative therapies are offered to help patients and families alleviate stress, reduce pain and anxiety, manage symptoms, and promote a sense of well-being.
Awards and Recognition
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U.S. News & World Report: Cancer
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) is consistently ranked among the top two hospitals in the nation for cancer by U.S. News & World Report. -
U.S. News & World Report: Pediatric Cancer
MSKCC has been named as one of America's Best Children's Hospitals for cancer. -
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
MSKCC is one of only 39 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, affirming the Center's national leadership in research, patient care, and education. -
National Comprehensive Cancer Network
MSKCC is one of only 21 members in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a not-for-profit alliance of the world's leading cancer centers, dedicated to improving the quality and effectiveness of cancer care. -
World Renown Physicians and Scientists
Of our staff, 10 are members of the National Academy of Sciences, seven are Howard Hughes Medical Institute investigators, eight are members of the Institute of Medicine, two are fellows of The Royal Society, and one is a Nobel laureate. -
AARP
MSKCC is cited by AARP and Consumers' Checkbook as one of the eight hospitals to which doctors are most likely to send patients with extremely difficult cancer cases. -
Medical Economics
Based on information from key opinion leaders in various specialties and through physician surveys, MSKCC’s prostate cancer program is named as one of Medical Economics’ Clinical Centers of Excellence for prostate cancer. -
Superb Nurses
MSKCC’s Gastric Mixed Tumor/Colorectal Cancer Unit is ADVANCE's 2008 Best Nursing Team in NY/NJ. Our nurses are leaders in the Oncology Nursing Society, and publish widely on topics related to cancer patient care and research. -
Acclaimed Information Systems
MSKCC is repeatedly recognized by Hospitals & Health Networks as being among the nation’s 100 most wired hospitals and the 25 most wireless hospitals. We also won the 2008 Tri-State CIO Forum Award for Innovating in a Mission-Critical Environment. -
New York Magazine's Best Doctors 2009
Sixty-eight Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center physicians are recognized on New York Magazine's list of best doctors.