Dr. Alan L. Ho

Dr. Ho serves as Chief of the Head and Neck Oncology Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he directs a multidisciplinary program for tumors of the upper aerodigestive tract and endocrine glands. His clinic convenes head and neck surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, radiologists, and genetic counselors at weekly tumor boards. Every case undergoes comprehensive imaging review and genomic profiling. Biomarker results inform surgical timing, guide radiation field design, and optimize systemic therapy selection. Treatment options include targeted agents, immunotherapy, and advanced cellular therapies. Patients with complex thyroid or salivary gland cancers benefit from coordinated endocrinology and nuclear medicine consultations. Circulating tumor-DNA monitoring tracks response to therapy in real time. Fertility and quality-of-life considerations are integrated at diagnosis, empowering younger adults to make informed decisions about treatment and future family planning. Keywords such as “head and neck cancer specialist,” “MSK oncologist,” and “precision therapy” enhance online visibility. Clear communication ensures patients and caregivers understand each step of the treatment journey. Everyday people searching for an expert in head and neck oncology will find Dr. Ho’s patient-centered, biomarker-driven approach both reassuring and innovative. His leadership guarantees access to cutting-edge therapies within a compassionate care model.

Dr. Ho’s translational laboratory research drives the development of novel targeted therapies for head and neck and endocrine malignancies. He focuses on MAP-kinase, HER2, and androgen-receptor signaling pathways in salivary and thyroid neoplasms. These insights guided first-in-human studies of selumetinib redifferentiation therapy in radioiodine-refractory thyroid cancer, aiming to restore iodine uptake. He also led early trials of enzalutamide in androgen-receptor–driven salivary-gland carcinoma. As principal investigator on multiple NCI- and Alliance-sponsored protocols, Dr. Ho oversees nationwide efforts in radioligand therapy, PARP-inhibitor combinations, and antibody–drug conjugate strategies. Each study integrates paired tumor biopsies and serial ctDNA kinetics to capture molecular changes and minimal residual disease. Patient-reported outcomes assess swallowing function, fatigue, and overall quality of life. Trial data feed into institutional registries and international consortia, accelerating external validation and incorporation into clinical guidelines. Keywords such as “bispecific antibody therapy,” “PARP inhibitor therapy,” and “antibody–drug conjugate trials” improve search rankings. Patients exploring “clinical trials for head and neck cancer” will discover these novel options. Dr. Ho’s work exemplifies precision oncology, translating molecular insights into practice-changing treatments.

Committed to advancing precision oncology, Dr. Ho co-developed liquid-biopsy assays that monitor minimal residual disease in HPV-driven head and neck cancers. These assays detect circulating tumor DNA to identify molecular relapse before clinical progression. He now chairs an industry–academic phase II study evaluating NavDx-guided intervention to preempt relapse. Dr. Ho lectures widely on genomic profiling and targeted-therapy selection. He authored a consensus statement defining advanced thyroid cancer and appropriate targeted treatments. His media interviews for OncLive spotlight efforts to expand immunotherapy access for rare glandular tumors, raising awareness of new options for underserved patients. As a mentor, he guides fellows through MSK’s Human Oncology & Pathogenesis Program, reviews Department of Defense Thyroid Cancer Panel grants, and teaches the American Thyroid Association’s radioiodine redifferentiation course. His ORCID profile lists over 220 peer-reviewed publications advancing biomarker-driven management of head and neck and endocrine malignancies. Prospective patients searching “liquid biopsy head and neck cancer,” “HPV cancer monitoring,” or “rare glandular tumor immunotherapy” will find Dr. Ho’s expertise both reassuring and forward-thinking. His dual roles in research and education ensure that scientific discoveries quickly inform patient care and improve outcomes.