Mark E. Zafereo, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Mark E. Zafereo, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Professor in the Department of Head and Neck Surgery at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. A board-certified surgical oncologist, Dr. Zafereo specializes in the multidisciplinary management of thyroid cancer, with a particular focus on anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) and advanced differentiated thyroid cancer. His recent research includes investigating lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab in metastatic BRAF wild-type ATC, characterizing ALK fusion-positive ATC responses to lorlatinib, and developing prognostic gene signatures for papillary thyroid carcinoma. He has also derived and validated a thyroid carcinoma-specific graded prognostic assessment for brain metastases and explored ferroptosis resistance mechanisms in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. His work bridges translational pathology, radiation oncology, and novel systemic therapies, positioning him as a leading figure in high-risk thyroid cancer care and research.