Dr. John Heymach
MD, PhD
Chair, Department of Thoracic / Head & Neck Medical Oncology
corporate_fareMD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
John Heymach
MD, PhD
Dr. John V. Heymach is a leading thoracic medical oncologist and physician-scientist at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, where he serves as Chair of the Department of Thoracic / Head & Neck Medical Oncology. He is internationally recognised for his work in lung cancer precision medicine, targeted therapy development, and the biology of treatment resistance in EGFR-mutant and KRAS-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.
With over two decades of experience in thoracic oncology, Dr. Heymach has made significant contributions to understanding the molecular drivers of lung cancer and developing strategies to overcome resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors, including osimertinib. His laboratory and clinical research have directly shaped biomarker-driven treatment guidelines for advanced lung cancer. He has played an important role in pivotal clinical studies involving EGFR-targeted therapies and KRAS-directed treatments, and is closely associated with the development of combination strategies in immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Dr. Heymach also brings specialised expertise in thymic tumours and other rare thoracic malignancies.
CancerFax can coordinate medical record review and expert consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Dr. Heymach at MD Anderson Cancer Center, subject to hospital availability and case acceptance.
Why Consider Dr. John Heymach?
Dr. Heymach is one of the most cited physician-scientists in thoracic oncology globally. His work bridges cutting-edge laboratory research and clinical practice, making him especially valuable for patients with advanced, biomarker-driven, or treatment-resistant lung cancer.
Areas of Specialisation
Dr. Heymach's clinical and research expertise covers the full spectrum of thoracic oncology with a particular focus on molecularly driven lung cancer treatment.
His specialisation centres on targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and translational research for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer, EGFR-driven tumours, KRAS-mutant lung cancer, and thymic malignancies.
EGFR-Mutant Lung Cancer
Advanced expertise in EGFR-positive non-small cell lung cancer, EGFR TKI therapy, and resistance pathways.
- arrow_rightFirst- and second-line EGFR TKI treatment planning
- arrow_rightOsimertinib-based strategies for advanced EGFR-positive NSCLC
- arrow_rightResistance mutation analysis and repeat biopsy evaluation
- arrow_rightLiquid biopsy interpretation and treatment sequencing
- arrow_rightOn-target and off-target acquired resistance profiling
- arrow_rightCombination strategies to overcome EGFR inhibitor resistance
- arrow_rightEvaluation for next-generation EGFR-targeted agents
KRAS-Mutant Lung Cancer
Expertise in KRAS-mutant NSCLC including KRAS G12C-targeted therapy and co-mutation analysis.
- arrow_rightMolecularly guided treatment planning for KRAS-mutant NSCLC
- arrow_rightKRAS G12C inhibitor strategies and combination approaches
- arrow_rightImmunotherapy and chemotherapy integration in KRAS-mutant disease
Thymic Tumours & Other Thoracic Malignancies
Multidisciplinary evaluation and treatment planning for rare thoracic cancers including thymoma and thymic carcinoma.
- arrow_rightMultidisciplinary evaluation for thymoma and thymic carcinoma
- arrow_rightSystemic therapy planning and clinical trial access for rare thoracic cancers
- arrow_rightCoordination with thoracic surgery, radiation oncology, and pathology
Procedures & Clinical Services
Treatment approaches and evaluation services provided by Dr. Heymach and the thoracic oncology team at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Dr. Heymach's clinical services focus on precision treatment planning, biomarker-guided therapy selection, and clinical trial evaluation for patients with advanced thoracic cancers.
Targeted Therapy for Lung Cancer
Targeted TherapyMolecularly guided treatment planning for patients with actionable driver mutations including EGFR, KRAS, HER2, MET, RET, ALK, and NTRK alterations.
Medical Oncology – Advanced Lung Cancer
Medical OncologyComprehensive systemic treatment planning for advanced and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and small cell lung cancer.
Complex & Resistant Disease
Complex DiseaseEvaluation and management of treatment-resistant lung cancer, including post-osimertinib progression and rare mutation subgroups.
Second Opinion – Advanced Lung Cancer
Second OpinionExpert review of pathology, genomic profiling, and treatment plans for patients with complex or advanced lung cancer seeking an independent oncology opinion.
Research & Publications
Dr. Heymach is a physician-scientist with an extensive record in lung cancer translational research, clinical trials, and peer-reviewed publications.
His research has focused on the molecular biology of EGFR and KRAS-driven lung cancers, predictive biomarkers, treatment resistance mechanisms, angiogenesis, and the tumour microenvironment. He has authored and co-authored numerous papers in major oncology journals and contributed to pivotal clinical studies that have changed practice in thoracic oncology.
Dr. Heymach's complete publication and trial record is available via PubMed and the MD Anderson faculty profile. A curated list may be provided on request.
Education & Training
Dr. Heymach completed his undergraduate education at Harvard University before earning both his MD and PhD from Stanford University. He subsequently trained in internal medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital and completed his medical oncology fellowship through the Dana-Farber / Partners HealthCare programme.
Clinical Experience
Dr. Heymach has built his entire academic and clinical career at the intersection of lung cancer research and patient care. He joined MD Anderson Cancer Center where he has risen to lead the Department of Thoracic / Head & Neck Medical Oncology as its Chair, overseeing clinical programmes, translational research, and faculty development in thoracic oncology.
Languages & International
Dr. Heymach consults in the following language.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients consulting at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients where required.
How CancerFax Helps You Access Dr. John Heymach
CancerFax is a specialist cancer patient-navigation platform. We help international patients prepare structured medical summaries, assess treatment eligibility, and connect directly with Dr. John Heymach's team — with full coordination from initial inquiry to consultation.
Medical Report Review
Free review of your pathology results, imaging, molecular profiling, and treatment history — prepared as a structured clinical summary for Dr. John Heymach's team.
Treatment Eligibility Screening
CancerFax screens your case for eligibility for treatments and clinical programmes available through Dr. John Heymach before you travel, so you arrive with a clear pathway.
Case Submission
We coordinate direct case submission to Dr. John Heymach's department, including all documentation required for clinical review and appointment scheduling.
Appointment & Consultation Coordination
CancerFax manages appointment scheduling with Dr. John Heymach's team, confirming availability and aligning timelines with your travel plans.
Travel, Visa & Logistics Support
We prepare visa invitation letters, provide hospital-proximity accommodation guidance, and coordinate airport transfers for international patients.
Follow-Up & Continuity of Care
After your consultation or treatment, CancerFax facilitates communication between Dr. John Heymach's team and your home oncologist for seamless post-treatment follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dr. John Heymach
Dr. John V. Heymach is a thoracic medical oncologist and Chair of the Department of Thoracic / Head & Neck Medical Oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA. He is internationally recognised as a leading physician-scientist in lung cancer precision medicine, specialising in EGFR-mutant lung cancer, KRAS-mutant lung cancer, osimertinib resistance, and biomarker-driven targeted therapy development.
Dr. Heymach specialises in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with a particular focus on EGFR-mutant, KRAS-mutant, and HER2-mutant subtypes. He also has expertise in small cell lung cancer, treatment-resistant lung cancer, thymic tumours (thymoma and thymic carcinoma), and other rare thoracic malignancies. His practice is strongly oriented towards molecularly driven and biomarker-guided treatment planning.
International patients may seek a second opinion from Dr. Heymach through MD Anderson Cancer Center's international patient services. CancerFax can assist patients in preparing their medical records, coordinating case review, and navigating the process of requesting an expert opinion at MD Anderson, subject to case acceptance and hospital availability. Patients should have pathology, NGS molecular reports, imaging, and treatment history available.
Submit your complete medical records through CancerFax, including histopathology, molecular or NGS report, PET-CT or CT imaging, EGFR/KRAS/ALK/PD-L1 testing results, treatment history, and discharge summaries. The CancerFax team will review your documents, prepare a structured case summary, and assist with coordination of the consultation process at MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Patients should prepare: a diagnosis summary; histopathology and immunohistochemistry report; molecular or NGS panel report (including EGFR, KRAS, ALK, ROS1, HER2, MET, RET, NTRK, BRAF); PD-L1 test result; CT or PET-CT imaging reports; treatment history including any targeted therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy previously received; liquid biopsy report if available; and current performance status and symptom overview.
Yes. Research into resistance after osimertinib and other EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors is a central part of Dr. Heymach's scientific and clinical work. He is involved in clinical trials and translational studies evaluating next-generation targeted agents, combination strategies, and new approaches for patients whose cancer has progressed after EGFR-targeted therapy. CancerFax can assist in preparing cases for evaluation at MD Anderson.
Connect with John Heymach Today
Share your medical reports for a free preliminary review. Our patient coordinators will help you understand your options and arrange a direct consultation.
Medical Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.