Dr. Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa

Dr. Ghassan K. Abou-Alfa, MD, JD, MBA, PhD (hc), is a globally respected medical oncologist specializing in hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. He holds the positions of Attending Physician in Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College. Dr. Abou-Alfa earned his MD from the American University of Beirut, completed internal medicine and oncology training at Yale University, and holds advanced degrees in law and business, underscoring his multidisciplinary expertise. Board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology, he leads multidisciplinary clinics treating liver (including hepatocellular carcinoma), cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder, and pancreatic cancers, with both in-person and telemedicine options for patient care.

A trailblazer in clinical and translational research, Dr. Abou‑Alfa has led the development of multiple novel targeted therapies in hepatobiliary malignancies. He was pivotal in advancing sorafenib and cabozantinib in hepatocellular carcinoma and continues to spearhead global clinical trials exploring small molecules, immunotherapy combinations, and precision medicine approaches. He chaired the National Cancer Institute’s Hepatobiliary Task Force, served as president-elect of the International Society of Gastrointestinal Oncology, and holds leadership roles in the Alliance GI cancers subgroup and Cholangiocarcinoma and Liver Foundation advisory boards. His extensive publication record—spanning over 500 research articles and studies featured in NEJM, Lancet Oncology, and JCO—reflects his influence in shaping modern care for liver and biliary cancers (vivo.weill.cornell.edu).

Beyond his research and clinical leadership, Dr. Abou-Alfa is deeply committed to education and global health equity. He mentors fellows at MSK and Weill Cornell, collaborates on faculty exchanges with Lebanon, and works internationally to improve access to cancer treatment. His work on the STRIDE (HIMALAYA) regimen—combining tremelimumab and durvalumab—demonstrated significant survival benefits in unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to changes in clinical practice (ajmc.com). Through his integration of cutting-edge science, compassionate care, and global outreach, Dr. Abou-Alfa remains a driving force in advancing outcomes for patients with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers.