About Us: Surgical Oncology

Surgery is an essential part of the treatment for patients with many types of cancer. The best results require coordinated efforts of an interdisciplinary team. Our surgical oncologists are uniquely trained not only in the techniques of cancer surgery, but also in how surgery fits into the overall goal of cancer care. We approach each case individually and develop a customized treatment plan to suit the specific needs of every patient. We develop treatment plans that may incorporate chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or alternative approaches before, during, and after surgery--with our ultimate goal being a treatment plan that maximizes length and quality of life. The Division of Surgical Oncology has established strong, collaborative disease management programs with the other cancer-related disciplines at Mount Sinai in order to offer patients with a wide array of cancers the best chance for cure.

Surgery, while usually the best treatment available, does not guarantee a cure for all patients with cancer. The Division of Surgical Oncology's active program of clinical and translational research brings the most promising and innovative developments from our laboratories to our patients in need. Our ongoing research studies include the following: early cancer detection, tumor markers, cancer genetics, environmental risk factors, minimally invasive surgical techniques, nonsurgical tumor ablation, down staging of advanced cancer to allow for surgical resection, transplantation for tumors, anesthesia for cancer surgery, adjuvant treatment to prevent cancer recurrence, tumor vaccines, gene therapy, and non-chemotherapy treatment of advanced cancer. Funding for surgical oncology research is provided by the National Institutes of Health, the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project, and our many other industry partners.