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Michelle Melisko, MD
Dr. Melisko joined the UCSF faculty in 2003 and is a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer treatment and research. She is interested in testing novel chemotherapy combinations, biological therapies, and new strategies to treat brain metastases and leptomeningeal disease from breast cancer. She believes in educating patients and encouraging their participation in clinical trials in order to make more rapid advances in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Melisko graduated from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in 1997 and completed her residency in internal medicine at the Stanford University Hospital. She completed a fellowship in medical oncology and hematology at UCSF in 2003. Dr. Melisko has received several awards, including an American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Merit Award in 2003 and a UCSF Breast Cancer SPORE (Specialized Program of Research Excellence) Career Development Award. Dr. Melisko has been the principal investigator of clinical trials involving a HER-2/neu targeted vaccine as well as other biological therapies for metastatic breast cancer. Dr. Melisko has an ongoing research effort in improving outcomes and investigating new treatments for patients with brain metastases. She is collaborating with other researchers at UCSF to evaluate molecular markers that may predict the development of brain metastases in breast cancer patients. Away from work, Dr. Melisko can be found on the many running trails in the Bay area where she has trained for the New York, Big Sur, Cal International, and Boston Marathons. She frequently reminds her patients that exercise is critical for weight maintenance and physical and emotional well-being after a diagnosis of breast cancer. |