Dr. Nancy Y. Lee

Dr. Nancy Y. Lee, MD, is a nationally recognized radiation oncologist specializing in head and neck malignancies. She serves as Vice Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and is Director of MSK’s Proton Therapy Program. Dr. Lee earned her medical degree from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine, completed her residency in radiation oncology at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto, and pursued fellowship training in head and neck oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering. She is board-certified in Radiation Oncology and is widely acknowledged for her expertise in advanced radiotherapy techniques.

Dr. Lee’s research focuses on refining radiation approaches for head and neck cancers, with a particular emphasis on proton therapy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and combined modality treatments. She has led pivotal clinical trials evaluating treatment de-intensification for HPV-related oropharyngeal carcinoma and has published extensively on methods to minimize toxicity while maintaining curative outcomes. Her work has significantly influenced practice guidelines and advanced the field of precision radiation oncology.

In addition to her research and clinical leadership, Dr. Lee is a dedicated educator and mentor. She has trained residents and fellows in radiation oncology, many of whom have advanced into leadership roles across academic centers. She has contributed to national guideline panels and cooperative groups focused on head and neck oncology. Through her commitment to clinical innovation, translational research, and education, Dr. Nancy Lee continues to shape the future of radiation oncology and improve care for patients with complex head and neck cancers.