Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

For Glioblastoma, go elsewhere. Do not believe MSK excels in treating every form of cancer, thought they do for many forms. If you face a diagnosis of glioblastoma, go to an alternate hospital in NYC that has proven expertise for this specific disease. There are at least three alternates, maybe more. They 1) do not treat aggressively, 2) are short on neurosurgical expertise, and 3) seem to direct patients to procedures without advising them of all options. Again, for Glioblastoma, go elsewhere.

Honestly, I would think very carefully before committing to treatment or surgery at this hospital. As a family member who had a parent there for an extended period, I can say that, in hindsight, we likely would not make the same decision again. Some of the nurses were excellent, but others fell short. The primary physician came across as cold and impersonal, and once it became clear that the treatment trial was not working, their level of engagement noticeably declined. Instead of continuing to see the patient regularly, care was largely handed off to residents. Over time, I also got the sense that some staff preferred the patient remain in bed rather than being assisted into a chair, likely due to staffing and workload constraints. This was particularly troubling to observe. I understand that cancer is an incredibly difficult diagnosis, and no process is easy—but, truthfully, MSK did not make the experience any easier for either the patient or the family. The transition from hospital care to hospice at home was especially stressful and did not feel well-coordinated. The caseload for hospital staff also appears to be quite high, which likely contributes to long wait times and, at times, lackluster follow-up. I’ll never forget the overcrowded on-site ER, where patients often waited hours just to get a bed and be admitted. Additionally, the facility itself feels old and outdated. There is little to no space for families on the hospital floors—no lounges or designated areas to sit—while the limited available spaces appeared to be primarily used by staff.