Dr. Alan L. Ho

Dr. Alan L. Ho, MD, PhD, is a distinguished medical oncologist and physician-scientist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), where he serves as Chief of the Head and Neck Oncology Service. He earned both his medical degree and doctoral degree (PhD) from Washington University in St. Louis and completed his residency in internal medicine at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. He then completed a fellowship in Medical Oncology at MSK. His clinical focus includes a broad range of head and neck cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid cancer, salivary gland tumors, and rare head and neck malignancies. Dr. Ho is also a cellular therapist, involved in innovative treatment approaches using immune cell-based therapies.

Dr. Ho is internationally recognized for his translational research in targeted therapies and molecular oncology. He serves as the Program Director of MSK’s Rare Salivary Gland Cancer Program and Co-Director of the Rare Thyroid Cancer Program, reflecting his leadership in treating uncommon and difficult-to-treat cancers. His research is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, and he has led numerous clinical trials focused on personalized, precision-based cancer treatment. His academic efforts concentrate on the genomic profiling of tumors, development of novel therapeutics, and integration of biomarker-based strategies into clinical care. This research-driven approach is designed to match each patient with the most appropriate and effective therapy based on the molecular characteristics of their disease.

As Chief of the Head and Neck Oncology Service at MSK, Dr. Ho leads a multidisciplinary team of over 80 experts in surgery, radiation oncology, pathology, and supportive care, all of whom collaborate on individualized treatment plans. His leadership has strengthened MSK’s integrated approach to complex head and neck cancers and rare tumors. He actively participates in clinical trials involving advanced therapies, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, targeted agents, and cellular therapies. With more than 15 years of experience, academic leadership, and a commitment to advancing both research and clinical care, Dr. Ho is considered a top specialist in the field of head and neck oncology.