Dr. Alex Kentsis

Dr. Alex Kentsis, MD, PhD, is a pediatric oncologist specializing in the treatment of children and young adults with leukemias and refractory solid tumors. He serves as Director of the Tow Center for Developmental Oncology, where his clinical and scientific work is focused on developing treatments that maximize the effectiveness of currently available therapies while devising new approaches that are precise, curative, and safe. His dual training in medicine and research positions him at the intersection of laboratory discovery and clinical application, with a commitment to improving outcomes for young patients facing difficult diagnoses.

Dr. Kentsis leads a research program that draws on modern technologies to advance the understanding of the biologic causes of blood and solid tumors. Working alongside colleagues, he has made significant discoveries identifying new therapeutic targets in cancer cells, uncovering mechanisms by which cancer cells evade emerging treatments, and developing improved strategies to overcome treatment resistance. These findings have translated directly into new clinical trials, reflecting his dedication to moving laboratory insights into meaningful options for patients.

Through his leadership of the Tow Center for Developmental Oncology and his active role in clinical trial development, Dr. Kentsis continues to bridge fundamental cancer biology with patient care. His work represents a sustained effort to understand why cancers arise in children and young adults and to design therapies that address the underlying biology with greater precision and fewer long-term consequences. His contributions to the field reflect a deep commitment to both scientific rigor and the well-being of the patients he serves.