Dr. Anne Tsao

About Dr. Anne Tsao

Dr. Tsao believes in individual, patient-based care and that personalized treatment plans should be developed for every mesothelioma patient. This approach is unique in the medical community, where “one size fits all” solutions are often prescribed.

In addition to directing MD Anderson’s mesothelioma program, Dr. Tsao is a professor at the university’s Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology.

Dr. Tsao is a leader in researching malignant mesothelioma and thoracic oncology. Her current focus is on finding new gene therapy treatments for mesothelioma.

She has written or co-authored more than 100 publications in multiple academic journals.

Her research has been published in the following:

• Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention
• Journal of Clinical Oncology
• Journal of Thoracic Oncology
• Molecular Cancer Therapeutics

Present Titles & Affiliations

• VP, Academic Affairs, Division of Academic Affairs, Sr VP Office
• Professor, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
• Thoracic Section Chief, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine
• Director, Thoracic Chemo-Radiation Program
• Director, Mesothelioma Program
• Clinical Medical Director, Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine

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Dr. Tsao’s Awards and Contributions

• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Merit Award
• ASCO Career Development Award
• ASCO Young Investigator Award
• Head and Neck SPORE Career Development Award
• MD Anderson Achievement in Research Award
• NIH Clinician Scientist K12 Award
• President’s Recognition of Faculty Excellence – Excellence in Clinical Quality Improvement, MD Anderson Cancer Center
• ASCO Advocacy Champion 2016 & 2017, ASCO
• Fleming Fellowship for Mesothelioma Cancer Research, Fleming Foundation

Dr. Tsao’s Memberships and Organizations

Dr. Tsao serves on many committees and boards and is an active member of many national and international oncology societies.

She is a member of the following organizations:

• MDACC Clinical Research Committee (Co-Chair)
• Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Lung Executive Committee
• Scientific Board of the American Radium Society
• SWOG (formerly known as the Southwest Oncology Group) Mesothelioma Steering Committee
• SWOG Lung Executive Committee

Dr. Tsao also partners with ASCO and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) to lobby the United States Congress to provide more funding for cancer research.

Dr. Tsao is also a member of the following medical research associations:

• ASCO Leadership Development Program
• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
• Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

Professional Background

Dr. Tsao began her medical studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where she earned a bachelor’s in molecular biology. She holds a medical degree from the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

She performed her residency at the Indiana University Department of Internal Medicine. She completed her fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, where she currently serves as vice president of academic affairs and as a professor in the Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Oncology.

Dr. Tsao has led several innovative clinical trials, many focusing on treating malignant (cancerous) mesothelioma. She has also researched other forms of lung cancer and has been featured in numerous publications.

“There is truly no better feeling than seeing a patient do well on a clinical trial that you were instrumental in developing or had the original idea to do.”

Medical Specializations

Like most leading experts, Dr. Tsao believes the best way to treat mesothelioma is through a multidisciplinary approach and working cooperatively with other specialists like oncologists, radiologists, and surgeons.

Every patient and every instance of mesothelioma is unique, which is why Dr. Tsao advocates for individualized treatment plans. Rather than following a single treatment plan for all her patients, she determines which treatment paths are most effective depending on the cancer’s stage, prognosis, and available treatments.

Dr. Tsao’s Mesothelioma Research

Dr. Tsao has been the principal investigator for several of MD Anderson’s clinical trials. When it comes to research, Dr. Tsao concentrates on the molecular components of cancer so she can further individualize treatment plans.

Dr. Tsao focuses on genes, such as the SRC kinase gene, and proteins, like N-cadherin, to determine their connection to cancer.

Once she determines the relationship between genes or proteins and mesothelioma, she and other researchers use that knowledge to look for new treatments or better diagnostic methods.

Dr. Tsao has also served as the National Health Institute’s (NHI) principal investigator for phases 1 and 2 of a trial to test pemetrexed and cisplatin (standard mesothelioma chemotherapy drugs) with or without cediranib maleate — a substance that may inhibit tumor growth — to treat pleural mesothelioma.

Proton Therapy

One of Dr. Tsao’s areas of expertise is proton therapy. While proton therapy has been used to treat other forms of cancer, she helped develop this procedure as a treatment option for mesothelioma.

Proton therapy is a form of external beam radiation therapy. In proton therapy, the radiation travels from a machine outside of the patient, through their skin, and to the tumor.

Targeted proton therapy likely produces less severe side effects than those from standard radiation.

Unlike photon-based external-beam radiation therapy, the protons or high-energy positively charged particles used in proton therapy go to specific places within the body without damaging additional cells.

Part of the reason is that the protons stop at the tumor, but with standard X-rays, the rays continue depositing radiation as they leave the body.

Dr. Tsao’s Healing Philosophy

Dr. Tsao has advocated for individualized patient plans, helping the medical community determine the value of developing personalized strategies for treating various types of mesothelioma and lung cancer.

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is devoted to cancer prevention, treatment, education, and research. It is highly respected worldwide due to its exclusive devotion to cancer care.

Dr. Tsao also follows MD Anderson’s Thoracic/Head and Neck Oncology mission, which strives to provide high-quality patient care while simultaneously preventing aerodigestive cancers and advancing treatment options through laboratory research and clinical trials.

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Getting Specialized Mesothelioma Treatment

Do you or someone you know need expert care for mesothelioma or thoracic malignancies? Dr. Anne Tsao is an experienced professional who has worked in academic research, clinical practice, and administrative roles. Her contributions have improved treatment options for patients and inspired other medical professionals. Dr. Tsao is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and bringing hope to patients and their families.

By choosing Dr. Tsao as your doctor, you can trust that you will receive the most up-to-date standard of care. She is a leader in mesothelioma treatment research and will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your specific needs.

Dr. Tsao’s patients can also expect a caring and attentive doctor who takes the time to listen to their concerns. She will suggest treatments that are the best options for you and your situation.

If you would like to learn more about how Dr. Tsao can assist you or how to contact another pleural mesothelioma specialist, don’t hesitate to contact our patient advocates today.