Debu Tripathy

Debu Tripathy is Chair of the Department of Breast Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the premier breast oncology programs in the world. His clinical and research career has spanned the development of multiple HER2-directed therapies including neratinib, an irreversible pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor, as well as combination strategies involving CDK4/6 inhibitors and endocrine agents in metastatic breast cancer. He has led or participated in pivotal international trials across all major breast cancer subtypes. Tripathy has been a key figure in the design and execution of the ExteNET and NALA trials, which established the role of neratinib in the extended adjuvant and metastatic settings for HER2+ disease. His translational research integrates biomarker studies into clinical trials to understand mechanisms of response and resistance. He has also contributed to survivorship research and the management of long-term side effects from breast cancer treatment. As department chair, he has built a strong clinical trials infrastructure at MD Anderson focused on next-generation HER2 therapies and novel combinations. He is a sought-after speaker and educator, helping train the next generation of breast medical oncologists.