Dr. Alexander N. Shoushtari

Dr. Alexander N. Shoushtari, MD, is a board-certified medical oncologist and one of the leading specialists in melanoma care at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he maintains the largest individual practice within the Melanoma Service. In 2022 alone, he saw 123 new patients with melanoma and conducted 1,648 patient visits, reflecting both the scope and depth of his clinical commitment. Dr. Shoushtari has earned particular recognition within the global melanoma community for his expertise in acral, mucosal, and uveal melanomas, the less common subtypes that arise in the eye or on hairless surfaces of the body and are often more difficult to treat than conventional skin melanomas. He works closely with surgeons, dermatologists, and radiation specialists at MSK to deliver coordinated, interdisciplinary care for patients with these challenging diagnoses.

Dr. Shoushtari is a recognized leader in advancing treatment options for rare melanoma subtypes. He recently led MSK's clinical trials of tebentafusp, the first FDA-approved therapy specifically for uveal melanoma, helping make MSK one of the first centers in the world to offer this treatment to patients. He has also been appointed to MSK's Cellular Therapy Service to treat patients with tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, an experimental cell therapy showing promise for melanomas that do not respond to standard immunotherapy. His scientific publications center on novel drugs tested in the clinic and on how a patient's genetic information can help predict benefit from treatment, contributing to the broader effort to personalize and improve melanoma care.

At the heart of Dr. Shoushtari's practice is a deep commitment to clear, compassionate communication. As the child of two immigrants, he understands firsthand how medical interactions can feel confusing, rushed, and full of jargon, and he has made it a priority to give patients the time and plain language they need to fully understand their diagnosis, their options, and the road ahead. He views good communication as the foundation of excellent cancer care, and he works to ensure that patients and their loved ones leave each appointment knowing exactly what is happening, what comes next, and what to expect in the months and years ahead.