Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr.
Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr., MD, is an internationally recognized medical oncologist and translational researcher specializing in gastrointestinal cancers. He serves as Head of the Division of Solid Tumor Oncology in the Department of Medicine at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and holds the Grayer Family Chair in Clinical Oncology. Dr. Diaz earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School and completed his residency in internal medicine, followed by a fellowship in medical oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and is widely known for his leadership in precision oncology and cancer genomics.
A pioneer in immunotherapy and liquid biopsy technologies, Dr. Diaz has led landmark clinical trials that have reshaped the treatment landscape for patients with mismatch repair-deficient tumors. His work contributed to the first FDA approval of a cancer therapy based solely on a tumor’s genetic profile rather than its tissue of origin. He has also been instrumental in advancing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) technologies for early detection, monitoring, and minimal residual disease assessment. Dr. Diaz’s research has been widely published in high-impact journals, and his innovations in biomarker-driven therapies have had a profound influence on both clinical practice and cancer research.
In addition to his research and clinical leadership, Dr. Diaz is a dedicated educator and institutional leader. He has mentored numerous physician-scientists and serves on several national advisory boards, including the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) and Stand Up To Cancer. He was elected to the National Academy of Medicine in recognition of his contributions to cancer genomics and translational oncology. Through his commitment to innovation, patient-centered research, and mentorship, Dr. Luis A. Diaz Jr. continues to advance precision medicine and redefine standards of care in gastrointestinal oncology.