Dr. Shakeel Modak

Dr. Shakeel Modak, MD, is a pediatric oncologist specializing in the care of children and young adults with neuroblastoma and other solid tumors, including desmoplastic small round cell tumors. He serves as Chief of the Neuroblastoma Service at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where he leads a large multidisciplinary team dedicated to the diagnosis and personalized treatment of this rare and aggressive pediatric cancer. Through his dual commitment to direct patient care and ongoing research, Dr. Modak works to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients facing some of the most challenging diagnoses in pediatric oncology. Memorial Sloan Kettering treats one of the largest volumes of neuroblastoma patients in the world, and Dr. Modak draws on this exceptional depth of expertise to guide individualized care plans for each patient. He has also noted the vital role that patient families play on his team, crediting parents of his patients for their tireless advocacy and fundraising contributions to research.

Dr. Modak's research focuses on translating laboratory discoveries into novel immunotherapies targeting neuroblastoma and related solid tumors. Working alongside colleagues, he evaluates radiolabeled monoclonal antibody treatments, antibody and cell-based therapies, and anticancer vaccines, all designed to harness and amplify the immune system's ability to fight cancer. His work explores how these approaches can be combined with conventional therapies to achieve greater effectiveness. The pioneering research conducted at Memorial Sloan Kettering has helped define the current standards of care for neuroblastoma, and Dr. Modak continues to build on that foundation through clinical investigation and scientific inquiry. He also served for many years as chair of his department's quality assessment committee, leading the development and implementation of dozens of strategies to continuously improve patient safety and satisfaction.

In addition to his clinical and research responsibilities, Dr. Modak is committed to education and mentorship. He trains and mentors oncology fellows, offering them a distinctive perspective on rare diseases that may not be available at other institutions. He finds particular satisfaction in watching the next generation of physicians make their own contributions to the field, and his mentorship reflects a broader commitment to advancing pediatric oncology beyond his own practice.