Dr.Β Seock-AhΒ Im
MD, MS, PhD
Professor of Medical Oncology
corporate_fareSeoul National University Hospital, Seoul
Seock-Ah Im
MD, MS, PhD
Prof. Seock-Ah Im is one of South Korea's foremost academic medical oncologists, practising at Seoul National University Hospital where she is affiliated with the Hemato-Oncology Department, the Medical Oncology Center, and the Personalized Cancer Medicine Center. Her official clinical specialties include breast cancer, gastrointestinal stromal tumour, clinical trial care, and personalised treatment. She has been a Professor of Internal Medicine at Seoul National University College of Medicine since 2003.
With an oncology career spanning nearly three decades β from her clinical fellowship at Seoul National University Hospital in 1996 through to her current role as Director of the Cancer Research Institute at Seoul National University β Prof. Im has built an internationally recognised body of work in translational breast cancer research. Her academic profile lists over 600 peer-reviewed publications, an h-index of 96 on Scopus, and more than 64,000 citations, reflecting her stature as a global authority in HER2-positive, HER2-low, hormone receptor-positive, and triple-negative breast cancer. She has also held key leadership roles including Director of the Medical Oncology Center at Seoul National University Cancer Hospital, Chair of the Scientific Committee of the Korean Society of Medical Oncology, and Chair of the ESMO-PAGA Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee. Earlier in her career she completed a research fellowship in neuro-oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center and served as a translational research scientist at AstraZeneca Oncology R&D in the United Kingdom.
CancerFax can coordinate medical-report review and consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Prof. Im at Seoul National University Hospital, subject to hospital availability and case acceptance.
Why Consider Prof. Seock-Ah Im?
Prof. Seock-Ah Im combines decades of specialised breast cancer care with a world-class translational research programme, making her a strong choice for patients with advanced, metastatic, or treatment-resistant breast cancer who are seeking expert personalised treatment planning.
Areas of Specialisation
Advanced breast cancer treatment, translational oncology, and personalised cancer medicine
Prof. Im's clinical and research work is centred on systemic treatment for breast cancer, with a particular focus on HER2-positive, HER2-low, hormone receptor-positive, and triple-negative subtypes. Her specialties also include gastrointestinal stromal tumour care and biomarker-driven clinical trial participation.
Breast Cancer β HER2-Positive & HER2-Low
Advanced treatment planning for HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer, including antibody-drug conjugate and HER2-directed therapy.
- arrow_rightAntibody-drug conjugate treatment including trastuzumab deruxtecan research
- arrow_rightHER2-directed therapy assessment and treatment planning for eligible patients
- arrow_rightBiomarker-guided treatment selection in HER2-positive and HER2-low settings
- arrow_rightSystemic therapy planning for advanced and metastatic disease
- arrow_rightNeoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy protocols
- arrow_rightMultimodality and multidisciplinary care planning
Triple-Negative & Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
Immunotherapy and endocrine-based treatment strategies for high-risk and advanced breast cancer subtypes.
- arrow_rightPembrolizumab-based immunotherapy for eligible patients
- arrow_rightBiomarker assessment prior to immune checkpoint treatment
- arrow_rightClinical trial participation including KEYNOTE programme contributions
- arrow_rightEndocrine therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer
- arrow_rightCDK4/6 inhibitor-based regimens including palbociclib and ribociclib research
- arrow_rightManagement of endocrine-resistant and refractory disease
Precision Oncology & Translational Research
Biomarker-driven treatment planning and translational science applied to breast cancer and selected other solid tumours.
- arrow_rightDNA damage repair and PARP-related therapeutic strategies
- arrow_rightTumour microenvironment and immune biomarker analysis
- arrow_rightTranslational laboratory work using patient-derived biospecimens
Procedures & Clinical Services
Systemic cancer treatment, personalised therapy, and clinical trial access
As a medical oncologist, Prof. Im's expertise is centred on systemic cancer therapy, biomarker-guided treatment planning, and clinical trial design and participation. The following represents her key clinical service areas based on verified sources.
Medical Oncology & Systemic Treatment
Medical OncologyComprehensive systemic treatment planning for breast cancer including chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and endocrine-based approaches.
HER2-Directed & Targeted Therapy
Targeted TherapyMolecularly guided treatment planning for HER2-positive and HER2-low breast cancer, including antibody-drug conjugate regimens and biomarker-driven selection.
Personalised Cancer Medicine
DiagnosisBiomarker-guided treatment planning through molecular profiling, translational research integration, and personalised oncology pathways.
Clinical Trial Access & Second Opinion
Second OpinionAccess to clinical trial programmes at Seoul National University and second-opinion consultation for complex breast cancer cases.
Research & Publications
Translational oncology, landmark clinical trials, and peer-reviewed contributions
Prof. Im has an extensive academic record in breast cancer and translational oncology. Seoul National University's research profile lists over 635 research outputs, an h-index of 96 on Scopus, and more than 64,000 citations. Her major research areas include HER2 biology, antibody-drug conjugates, triple-negative breast cancer immunotherapy, endocrine resistance, CDK4/6 inhibition, DNA damage repair, tumour microenvironment, and biomarker-driven clinical trials.
Prof. Im's full publication list is accessible via Seoul National University's research repository and Scopus. A more detailed list may be available on request through the hospital's international patient services.
Education & Training
Prof. Im completed her undergraduate and postgraduate medical education at Ewha Womans University College of Medicine in Seoul, followed by specialised clinical training at Seoul National University Hospital and a research fellowship at MD Anderson Cancer Center in the United States.
Clinical Experience
Prof. Im has been a Professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine since 2003 and has held successive directorial and committee leadership roles within South Korea's leading academic cancer institutions. Her career combines continuous clinical oncology practice with translational research leadership and major international trial participation.
Languages & International
Verified language of consultation for Prof. Im based on her academic and institutional profile.
CancerFax can coordinate professional medical interpreter support for international patients consulting with Prof. Im.
CancerFax can coordinate medical interpreter support when required.
How CancerFax Helps You Access Dr. Seock-Ah Im
CancerFax is a specialist cancer patient-navigation platform. We help international patients prepare structured medical summaries, assess treatment eligibility, and connect directly with Dr. Seock-Ah Im's team β with full coordination from initial inquiry to consultation.
Medical Report Review
Free review of your pathology results, imaging, molecular profiling, and treatment history β prepared as a structured clinical summary for Dr. Seock-Ah Im's team.
Treatment Eligibility Screening
CancerFax screens your case for eligibility for treatments and clinical programmes available through Dr. Seock-Ah Im before you travel, so you arrive with a clear pathway.
Case Submission
We coordinate direct case submission to Dr. Seock-Ah Im's department, including all documentation required for clinical review and appointment scheduling.
Appointment & Consultation Coordination
CancerFax manages appointment scheduling with Dr. Seock-Ah Im'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. Seock-Ah Im's team and your home oncologist for seamless post-treatment follow-up.
Frequently Asked Questions About Prof. Seock-Ah Im
Prof. Seock-Ah Im's official Seoul National University Hospital profile lists breast cancer and gastrointestinal stromal tumour as her primary specialties. Her clinical and research focus is especially strong in HER2-positive, HER2-low, triple-negative, and hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, including advanced and metastatic disease.
Seoul National University Hospital has a global-facing website with international patient access. CancerFax can coordinate medical-report review and consultation support for international patients seeking an opinion from Prof. Im, subject to hospital availability and case acceptance. Please submit your reports through CancerFax to begin the process.
Submit your medical reports through CancerFax. The CancerFax team will review the documents, prepare the case for submission, and coordinate the next steps with the hospital, subject to availability. Reports typically needed include pathology, imaging, biopsy results, and current treatment history.
A second-opinion request can be submitted through CancerFax with the patient's pathology reports, imaging, treatment history, and relevant biomarker or genetic test results. The final consultation format and availability depend on Seoul National University Hospital's international patient services.
Prof. Im's research and clinical work covers immunotherapy including pembrolizumab-based treatment in triple-negative breast cancer, HER2-directed antibody-drug conjugate therapy including trastuzumab deruxtecan, CDK4/6 inhibitor-based endocrine therapy, PARP inhibitor strategies for DNA damage repair-related breast cancer, and biomarker-driven personalised treatment planning. She has been a contributor to major international trials across each of these areas.
Yes. Clinical trial care is listed on her official Seoul National University Hospital profile, and her academic record includes contributions to major international breast cancer trials such as DESTINY-Breast03 and KEYNOTE-355. As Director of the Cancer Research Institute at Seoul National University, she oversees translational oncology work that includes proof-of-concept and first-in-human clinical trials.
Connect with Seock-Ah Im 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.