Dr. David Ilson treats gastrointestinal (GI) cancers at MSK in Manhattan and MSK Monmouth, specializing in esophageal and stomach cancer and leading clinical trials.
Gastrointestinal cancers can be challenging to treat, but there are many reasons for patients to be optimistic. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, our research has led to effective therapies to treat GI cancer at every stage of disease. I’ve worked for decades in this field, and I’m honored to be part of a team that continues to improve patients' lives through advances in research.
Hi, I'm Dr. David Ilson, a senior GI medical oncologist and clinical investigator at MSK. As an academic physician, I treat the full range of gastrointestinal cancers, with an emphasis on esophageal and gastric cancer. Seeing patients at both our main campus and in Middletown, New Jersey, I offer specialized care that’s close to home.
I also develop and lead clinical trials for patients with advanced esophageal and gastric tumors. Through this research, we're continuously expanding therapeutic possibilities for patients facing these diagnoses.
Treatment often involves a combined approach that may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy; and we'll decide the best plan based on your particular type of cancer, since understanding the molecular makeup of a tumor can significantly improve a patient’s outcomes.
At MSK, beyond successfully treating your cancer, we also aim to prolong the length and quality of your life. As therapies continue to evolve, we work to minimize the side effects of your treatment, so that you can feel as well as possible and enjoy life without being defined by cancer.
I’m a perennial optimist who believes offering patients hope and encouragement is essential throughout treatment. I’m committed to not only providing world-class care but also being the support you need. We are in this together.