Synovial Sarcoma Foundation Announces Formation of Medical Advisory Board
11 Leading Oncologists and Researchers Unite to Accelerate Progress for Synovial Sarcoma Patients
PHILADELPHIA [June 22, 2026] The Synovial Sarcoma Foundation (SSF) today announced the formation of its Medical Advisory Board, bringing together 11 internationally recognized clinicians and researchers to serve as the central coordinating body for synovial sarcoma research, treatment, and advocacy.
The board spans pediatric and adult oncology, sarcoma pathology, immunotherapy, and precision medicine, with members drawn from leading cancer institutions across the United States, Canada, and Europe.
“Synovial sarcoma is a rare and difficult disease, and the patients who face it deserve the most coordinated, high-impact research effort possible,” said Nathan Imperiale, Board Chairman of the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation. “This Medical Advisory Board brings together the clinicians and researchers who are closest to this disease and positions SSF to direct investment, reduce duplication, and accelerate progress in a meaningful way.”
Dr. Theodore (Ted) Laetsch, MD, will serve as Leader of the Medical Advisory Board. He is nationally recognized for his work in pediatric sarcoma, precision oncology, and early-phase clinical trials, and serves on the SSF Board of Directors.
The Medical Advisory Board will advance SSF’s mission through four primary areas of contribution: semi-annual strategic meetings to evaluate the therapeutic landscape and direct Foundation investment; medical content oversight for patient education and clinical communications; participation in the International Synovial Sarcoma Tumor Board, which currently includes more than 190 registered members across pediatric and adult practice worldwide; and advocacy to ensure synovial sarcoma maintains visibility in research funding priorities, clinical trial design, and patient access to emerging therapies.
Founding Members of the Medical Advisory Board
Dr. Theodore (Ted) Laetsch, MD, Board Leader: Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania; Director, Developmental Therapeutics & Very Rare Malignant Tumors Programs, CHOP; Chair, COG Rare Tumors Committee
Dr. Lee Hartner, MD: Clinical Director, Sarcoma Medical Oncology, Pennsylvania Hospital; Clinical Professor of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania
Dr. William D. Tap, MD: Chief, Sarcoma Medical Oncology Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Dr. Suzanne George, MD: Director, Clinical Research, Sarcoma Center, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Chief, Division of Sarcoma; Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Seth Pollack, MD: Steven T. Rosen Professor of Cancer Biology; Director, Sarcoma Program, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University
Dr. Torsten Nielsen, MD, PhD: Professor, Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia; Pathologist, Vancouver General Hospital
Dr. Katie Albert, MD: Associate Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Seattle Children’s Hospital
Dr. Richard Gorlick, MD: Division Head, Chairman, and Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Dr. David Liebner, MD: Associate Professor of Internal Medicine & Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Hospital
Dr. Aaron Weiss, MD: Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Tufts University School of Medicine; Pediatric Oncologist, MaineHealth Maine Medical Center; Vice-Chair, COG Soft Tissue Sarcoma Committee
Dr. Patrick Schöffski, MD, MPH: Head, General Medical Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven); Lead, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, KU Leuven
About the Synovial Sarcoma Foundation
The Synovial Sarcoma Foundation is dedicated to accelerating research, improving patient outcomes, and building a coordinated global effort against synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer that disproportionately affects children, adolescents, and young adults. Through initiatives including the International Synovial Sarcoma Tumor Board, the Synovial Sarcoma Registry and Biorepository, and strategic partnerships with leading research institutions and biotech companies, SSF is working to close the gap between discovery and treatment for patients worldwide.
For more information, visit SynovialSarcoma.org.
