Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK)
A private cancer center operating as a network of sites in the New York area. For many years in the top tier (top 1–2 in the USA) per U.S. News. Strong in breast cancer and gastrointestinal cancers; one of the largest clinical trial programs in the world.
First contact
Patient Access Service — +1-800-525-2225 or online form. You can submit an inquiry without a referral (acceptance depends on the center's case review). MSK often starts with a Remote Second Opinion based on submitted records — without an immediate trip required.
Center websiteAbout the center
Memorial Sloan Kettering is one of the most recognized cancer centers in the world, founded in 1884. MSK is a cancer-only hospital — it specializes exclusively in oncology and combines clinical care with research and education. It operates as a network of sites across the New York metropolitan area (NY, NJ, Long Island). It runs one of the largest clinical trial programs in the world. It also offers a Remote Second Opinion program — initial case review without traveling to the USA.
Location
New York, NY (network of sites)
MSK operates as a network of centers across New York, New Jersey and Long Island — not a single building. Main campus on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. JFK, Newark (EWR) and LaGuardia airports — 45–90 minutes to your assigned site depending on traffic. Metro and taxis available directly. Many hotels and apartments nearby for longer stays.
Why patients choose this center
- ✓Over 130 years of experience exclusively in oncology.
- ✓For many years in the top tier of US cancer center rankings (top 1–2 per U.S. News & World Report — position changes annually).
- ✓Remote Second Opinion program — initial case review without travel.
- ✓One of the largest clinical trial programs in the world.
- ✓Bobst International Center — coordination for international patients (visits, interpreters, logistics).
- ✓Network of sites with subspecialized teams — broad range of cancer types, including rare cancers.
Specializations
Breast cancer, gastrointestinal, lung and urologic cancers; targeted therapy, immunotherapy, clinical trials. Treatment scope is broad, but eligibility for a specific therapy depends on indications and protocol.
- Oncologic and robotic surgery
- Chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy
- Radiotherapy (including IMRT, SBRT)
- Systemic therapy in advanced cancers
- Rare cancer treatment
Clinical trials
MSK runs one of the largest clinical trial programs in the world — the number of active protocols changes over time. International patients may qualify after meeting protocol criteria; access to a specific therapy depends on indications and team assessment. Many MSK trials are available in our clinical trials radar. Check the clinical trials radar →
International patient program
Bobst International Center (part of MSK's international patient services) coordinates care: initial record review, visits, interpreters and logistics. You can submit an inquiry without a referral — this is not a guarantee of acceptance; the decision depends on case review. Remote Second Opinion provides a written specialist opinion within about 2 weeks. Full treatment requires an in-person visit at a network site.
Documents to prepare
- •Treatment summary in English
- •Pathology report with biomarkers
- •Imaging results
- •Therapy list with treatment response
- •Laboratory results
Costs and insurance
MSK is a private center — treatment is paid. Remote Second Opinion is a separate, lower fee (check current pricing on the website). Full treatment: costs set individually. Some international policies may cover part of the costs. Grants database →
Typical timeline
Remote Second Opinion: about 2 weeks. Pre-visit assessment: 1–2 weeks. First visit in NYC: usually 3–6 weeks after acceptance.
Accommodation
Manhattan offers a huge choice of accommodation — from hotels near the hospital to apartments for longer stays. MSK publishes a list of recommended nearby hotels. NYC accommodation costs are high — consider Brooklyn or New Jersey with good metro access. Accommodation in the USA →
Languages
Practical tips
- 💡Consider Remote Second Opinion as a first step — cheaper and faster than a full trip.
- 💡Confirm which MSK network site your appointment is at — campuses are spread across NY, NJ and Long Island.
- 💡NYC metro is the fastest transport — avoid taxis during rush hour.
- 💡Book a hotel with cancellation option — treatment plans can change.
- 💡Bring copies of all scans on USB — US doctors often request DICOM.
The data in the directory is informational and may change. Before making any decisions, always verify current information directly with the center. This is not medical advice.