Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center | New York

Founded in 1884, Memorial Sloan Kettering has a long history as a dedicated cancer institution. It is a private, not-for-profit organisation rather than a general hospital whose cancer services form only one department. Its clinical and research activities are focused on understanding, diagnosing and treating cancer.

MSK is recognised by the US National Cancer Institute as a comprehensive cancer centre. This designation reflects the breadth of its research activities and their connection to clinical care; it is not a guarantee of an individual patient's outcome. Care is delivered through a network that includes its main Manhattan facilities and other locations in the New York region.

The institution combines multidisciplinary clinical teams with laboratory and translational research. It is known for high-volume complex cancer surgery, disease-specific treatment programmes and molecular testing, including MSK-IMPACT. The appropriate location and team depend on the cancer type and proposed treatment. Its International Center supports overseas enquiries, but administrative acceptance and clinical eligibility remain separate considerations.

Breast cancer programmes address different stages and biological subtypes, with treatment planning informed by pathology, hormone receptors and other relevant biomarkers. Lung cancer care similarly depends on tumour type, stage and molecular findings. Colon and rectal cancer programmes may involve colorectal surgery, medical oncology and radiation oncology, particularly where treatment requires a coordinated sequence of therapies.

Blood cancer services cover conditions such as leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, with consideration of medicines, stem cell transplantation or cellular therapies where appropriate. MSK also has specialist programmes for rare cancers, including sarcomas and uncommon tumour subtypes. For these diagnoses, expert pathology review can be particularly important because classification may change the recommended treatment. Programme breadth does not mean that every treatment is suitable for every patient; disease stage, previous therapies, general health and treatment goals remain central.

Surgery is available for many solid tumours, including complex operations that may require several surgical specialties. Assessment considers whether a tumour can be removed, the potential benefit and the risks to function and recovery. Patients should ask about alternatives, rehabilitation and whether postoperative care can safely continue in their home country.

Radiation therapy may be used alone or alongside surgery and systemic treatment. The technique, dose and number of visits depend on the cancer and surrounding organs. Drug treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy when supported by the diagnosis and clinical evidence.

Precision oncology uses tumour characteristics to help guide care. MSK-IMPACT examines cancer-related genetic alterations in selected tumours and can support consideration of targeted medicines or trials. Testing may find no actionable alteration, and an identified alteration may not lead to an accessible or effective treatment.

CAR-T cell therapy is an option for selected blood cancers, subject to disease-specific criteria and clinical assessment. It requires specialised preparation and monitoring because serious complications can occur. Patients considering cellular therapy should clarify caregiver requirements, the expected local stay and arrangements for urgent care. Investigational approaches are available only through suitable research protocols.

MSK maintains a broad clinical trials portfolio spanning different cancers, treatment stages and research phases. Around 900 active oncology clinical trials is an indicative profile figure, not a verified real-time total. Study status changes, and an active trial may be closed to new participants, limited to particular sites or restricted to a narrowly defined patient group.

International patients can ask for trial consideration during clinical review. Eligibility may depend on pathology, molecular results, previous treatment, organ function, performance status and protocol requirements. Overseas residence does not itself establish eligibility or access. Before travelling, patients should ask whether screening can begin through records review, which tests must occur at MSK, what costs are covered by the study and how often attendance is required. Screening does not guarantee enrolment, and trial participation does not guarantee benefit.

Begin by establishing the purpose of the enquiry: diagnostic confirmation, a treatment opinion, a specific procedure or trial assessment. Provide a concise treatment history and ask the International Center which documents are needed before a clinician can assess the case. Confirm whether any remote review is available for your circumstances rather than assuming that an initial opinion requires travel.

Before committing to travel, obtain a written outline of the proposed assessment and financial arrangements. Clarify the possible duration of the stay, caregiver needs and who will manage complications after returning home. Travel should not delay urgent care locally. A plan shared with the home oncology team can help maintain continuity if tests, treatment or follow-up span two countries.

Contact details below come from the hospital's own published international patient information.

Location: New York, United States

Email: international@mskcc.org

Phone: +1 212 639 2000

Website: https://www.mskcc.org

Languages supported: English, Spanish, Russian, Arabic

Remote second opinion: Available

Always confirm current contact details on the hospital's own website before sending medical records, and never send documents to an address you have not verified.