Dialogues

Apr 19, 2025, 13:43

Cancer Through My Eyes – Episode 11: Tarek Mouhieddine

In this eleventh episode of Cancer Through My Eyes, we highlight a physician-scientist whose passion for innovation is rooted in personal connection and scientific precision. Dr. Tarek Mouhieddine is a Hematology and Oncology Fellow at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, with a clinical and translational research focus in multiple myeloma. With expertise in genomics and immunology, Dr. Mouhieddine is helping to reshape cancer care through T cell–based therapies and groundbreaking clinical trials.

His journey began at the American University of Beirut and evolved through transformative mentorship at institutions like Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he discovered both his calling and his community. Today, his work bridges lab science and bedside care, with the goal of delivering hope to patients when they need it most.

Dr. Tarek Mouhieddine’s Story

What defines Dr. Mouhieddine’s career is not just a dedication to advancing the science of immuno-oncology—but a deep sense of humanity in his approach. Whether racing to deliver newly approved immunotherapies to patients in critical need, or mentoring the next generation of cancer researchers, he leads with purpose and empathy.

His current research investigates the tumor microenvironment in myeloma patients undergoing T cell-directed therapies, seeking new ways to overcome resistance and expand therapeutic potential. But behind the science is a physician who never forgets the faces and stories of those fighting for another year, another milestone, another day.

Q&A with Dr. Mouhieddine

1. Looking back on your journey from the American University of Beirut to Mount Sinai, can you share a defining moment when you realized oncology would be your life’s work?

During medical school at the American University of Beirut, I was deeply fascinated by cancer research and actively pursued various research opportunities. However, clinical exposure to oncology was relatively limited at that stage. My passion truly crystallized during my three-year postdoctoral fellowship at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. While I was initially open to exploring other non-oncological specialties, I found myself immersed in an incredibly innovative and exciting environment, surpassing the opportunities available back in Beirut.

Working closely with Dr. Irene Ghobrial, I was introduced to the transformative potential of cutting-edge research and clinical care in multiple myeloma. Her invitation to join her in the clinic provided firsthand experience with patients, profoundly impacting my perspective. Under her mentorship, I discovered an intense passion for oncology, specifically myeloma, and became unequivocally certain that oncology was my life’s calling. This pivotal experience at Dana-Farber laid the foundation for my commitment to advancing cancer care and research.

2. Cancer research is often both scientific and deeply personal. What early life experiences or patient encounters most shaped your passion for exploring immuno-oncology?

One patient encounter that profoundly shaped my passion for immuno-oncology involved a young man battling an extremely aggressive form of multiple myeloma. Despite receiving every available treatment, his disease progressed relentlessly, and we were nearing the point of recommending hospice care. Then, almost serendipitously, talquetamab—a new immunotherapy—received FDA approval for relapsed/refractory myeloma.

As a hematology/oncology fellow at Mount Sinai, I worked closely with my attending, the pharmacy team, hospital administration, and the pharmaceutical company to expedite the drug’s availability. Within just one day of its approval, we were able to secure and administer the therapy at our center, a process that typically takes weeks or even months to set up. He probably was the first person in the US to receive talquetamab after its FDA approval.

Talquetamab gave him another precious year of life, even allowing him to visit his home country and spend meaningful time with his family. This experience was a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential of immuno-oncology research to create innovative therapies that offer hope and profoundly impact patient lives. It further cemented my dedication to contributing to this rapidly evolving and life-changing field.

3. If you could go back in time and give your younger self some words of wisdom, what would you say?

If I could go back in time and give my younger self some words of wisdom, I would say: trust in yourself. Don’t let doubt or external voices discourage you from following your path. There will be people who question whether your goals are realistic or whether you belong in a competitive, high-impact field like oncology. But stay focused, believe in your potential, and keep pushing forward. You will grow into the physician-scientist you aspire to be—one who contributes meaningfully to the field and drives advancements that change lives.

4. Translating lab discoveries into clinical trials can be a long road. What keeps you motivated when facing setbacks, and how do you pass that resilience on to younger colleagues or trainees?

Translating lab discoveries into clinical trials can be a long and sometimes frustrating journey. I’ve experienced my fair share of failed experiments and rejected grant applications. But I’ve also learned that persistence is essential—every setback is a step closer to progress. What keeps me going is the renewed energy that comes from making a new discovery or pushing forward a new idea.

Those moments reignite my sense of purpose. Additionally, the powerful stories I witness in the clinic—patients who go from the brink of hospice to living years longer thanks to novel therapies—are incredibly motivating. They serve as a constant reminder of why this work matters and inspire me to pass that sense of resilience on to trainees and colleagues by sharing both the challenges and the breakthroughs openly and honestly.

5. ‘Cancer Through My Eyes’ is about the human side of oncology. Is there a particular patient story or interaction that remains a compass for you in both clinical practice and research?

While every patient has a story that stays with me and shapes my clinical and research perspective, the cases that serve as my compass are often those of patients who have run out of standard options. Being able to help them access clinical trials that offer a new chance at life is both humbling and profoundly motivating. One patient in particular always tells me, “You saved my life”—and those four words mean the world to me. Even though I’m still early in my career, I’ve already witnessed many such moments. They continually remind me why I chose this path and reaffirm the power of hope, innovation, and persistence in the fight against cancer.

6. Genomics and immunology are cutting-edge fields that can feel daunting to new oncologists. How do you encourage younger physicians or researchers to dive into these complex areas without fear?

Genomics and immunology can certainly appear intimidating at first, but they have a well-established and growing track record of significantly improving patient outcomes. I remember how complex these fields felt when I first encountered them—there was a learning curve, and I needed time to understand the principles and their clinical applications. But today, I’m fully immersed in both areas at the clinical and research levels, and what keeps me grounded is the undeniable impact they have on patient care. For younger physicians and researchers, I always emphasize that with the right mentors and a genuine commitment to learning, these fields become not only manageable but also incredibly rewarding. The key is to stay curious, seek guidance, and remember that every step forward in understanding directly translates to better outcomes for our patients.

7. Leading innovative trials while caring for seriously ill patients can be emotionally taxing. What personal rituals, habits, or mindsets help you maintain empathy and avoid burnout?

To maintain empathy and avoid burnout, I’ve developed a set of personal rituals and habits that help me stay grounded. I carve out quiet time each day to reflect and reset, and I prioritize regular exercise, which keeps me physically and mentally resilient. Music is a source of comfort and energy, often accompanying me during long days or commutes. Engaging in research provides a sense of purpose and progress, reinforcing why I chose this path. Most importantly, I make time to connect with family and friends, whose support is invaluable. I also believe in the power of venting—talking openly with trusted colleagues helps process the emotional weight of our work. These practices allow me to bring my best self to patients and the lab, sustaining both empathy and endurance over time.

8. Mentorship is crucial for the next generation of oncologists. Who were your mentors, and how do you now strive to mentor others, especially those interested in myeloma and immuno-oncology?

I’ve been fortunate to have many mentors along the way who continue to support and guide me to this day. During medical school, I was mentored by Dr. Samia Khoury, a neurologist and expert in neuroimmunology, and Dr. Wassim Abou-Kheir, a cancer stem cell biologist focused on prostate cancer. Both encouraged me to pursue rigorous research and instilled in me a deep appreciation for scientific inquiry. Later, at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Dr. Irene Ghobrial played a pivotal role in shaping my future—her mentorship not only solidified my commitment to oncology but also sparked my enduring passion for multiple myeloma clinical care and research.

When I moved to Mount Sinai, I was fortunate to be mentored by leading figures in the field: Drs. Ajai Chari, Sundar Jagannath, and Samir Parekh—all internationally recognized myeloma experts. Each of them has contributed to my growth as a clinician and a scientist through their example, support, and invaluable insights. In turn, I strive to mentor trainees with the same openness and dedication I received. I particularly enjoy working with students, residents and fellows interested in myeloma and immuno-oncology, helping them navigate challenges, identify meaningful research questions, and discover their own passion in this rapidly evolving field.

9. You’re focused on reshaping treatment paradigms through T cell–based therapies. What advice would you give a young investigator eager to challenge current norms and push boundaries in cancer care?

My advice is to embrace curiosity, stay resilient, and never underestimate the power of translational research to drive change. Challenging norms requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to face setbacks. I’ve learned through my own work in T cell–based therapies—whether in studying resistance mechanisms or designing strategies to enhance efficacy—that progress is often incremental but always meaningful. Surround yourself with inspiring mentors, collaborate across disciplines, and stay grounded in your ultimate goal: improving patients’ lives.

10. Looking ahead, what do you hope will define your legacy in hematology/oncology, and how do you want your passion for transformative care to inspire the next wave of cancer specialists?

I hope my legacy will be defined by a relentless commitment to improving outcomes for patients with multiple myeloma, particularly those with high-risk and refractory disease. I want to be remembered as a physician-scientist who not only pushed the boundaries of immunotherapy but also cared deeply about the human side of cancer care. If my work leads to even one paradigm-shifting therapy or inspires future oncologists to pursue innovative, patient-centered research, that will be enough. I hope the next generation sees in my journey a model of how science and compassion, together, can transform lives.

As Cancer Through My Eyes continues, Dr. Mouhieddine’s story shows us how science becomes personal, and how persistence becomes impact.

Through his work in multiple myeloma, genomics, and T cell–based therapies, he exemplifies what it means to lead with innovation and care. He reminds us that in the world of cancer, every hour counts—and every new idea might be the one that gives it back.

Got a question or someone we should feature next? Reach out on social media—we’d love to hear from you.

Stay tuned for more voices redefining the future of oncology.

By Semiramida Nina Markosyan, HBSc.

Read and watch more dialogues and series by OncoDaily.

Episode 1 with Dr. Hadeel Hassan – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 2 with Ziad Abuhelwa – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 3 with Jasmin Hundal – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 4 with Angelo Pirozzi – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 5 with Dr. Soirindhri Banerjee – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 6 with Alexis LeVee – Cancer Through My Eyes

Episode 7 with Renée Maria Saliby – Cancer Through My Eye

Episode 8 with Michael Serzan – Cancer Through My Eyes