Dr. Marc Ladanyi stands as a distinguished leader in molecular pathology and cancer genomics, with his expertise shaping modern approaches to precision oncology. He currently serves as Chief of the Molecular Diagnostics Service and holds the William J. Ruane Chair in Molecular Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where he has established himself as a pivotal figure in clinical molecular diagnostics. A graduate of McGill University with his MD degree, Dr. Ladanyi completed his residency at the same institution before undertaking a fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. His career trajectory has been marked by consistent advancement in developing molecular diagnostic approaches that bridge laboratory science with clinical oncology practice. As a board-certified specialist in both Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Molecular Genetics, he brings comprehensive expertise to his leadership role in one of the world's premier cancer research institutions.
Dr. Ladanyi's groundbreaking research program focuses on unraveling the genomics and molecular pathogenesis of sarcomas and thoracic malignancies, particularly lung cancers and mesotheliomas, to identify novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. He co-directs Memorial Sloan Kettering's Genome Data Analysis Center, which plays a critical role in the Cancer Genome Atlas project network, and was instrumental in developing the MSK-IMPACT tumor genome sequencing test, a comprehensive platform now used to guide personalized cancer treatment. His laboratory has made significant contributions including the validation of DUSP4 as a driver gene in EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinomas, the establishment of enhanced detection methods for the EGFR T790M resistance mutation, and the discovery of BAP1 mutations in mesotheliomas. Perhaps most notably, his team identified novel recurrent gene fusions including HEY1-NCOA2 in mesenchymal chondrosarcoma and KIF5B-RET in lung adenocarcinoma, discoveries that have expanded the molecular understanding of these cancers and opened new therapeutic avenues. These contributions have fundamentally advanced the field of molecular oncology by providing clinicians with precise diagnostic tools and potential targets for intervention.
Beyond his research achievements, Dr. Ladanyi plays a vital role in advancing the broader field of molecular pathology through his leadership in developing clinical translation frameworks that convert genomic discoveries into actionable diagnostic information. His work in the Laboratory of Diagnostic Molecular Pathology focuses on identifying molecular markers with direct applications for diagnosis, prognosis, and therapeutic targeting in sarcoma patients. As a respected member of multidisciplinary teams at Memorial Sloan Kettering, he collaborates extensively with oncologists, surgeons, and basic scientists to ensure that molecular diagnostic advances directly benefit patient care. Dr. Ladanyi continues to pioneer new approaches in molecular diagnostics, with his current efforts emphasizing the refinement of next-generation sequencing techniques to detect increasingly subtle genomic alterations that can inform personalized treatment strategies. His ongoing commitment to translating molecular discoveries into clinical practice ensures that his work will continue to shape the future of precision oncology for years to come.
