Bio

Dr. Kimberly Loo is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine (Oncology) at Stanford University School of Medicine, with a clinical and research focus in melanoma and solid tumor cellular therapy.

Dr. Loo completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), earned her MD from the Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, completed her Internal Medicine residency at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medicine in collaboration with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and her Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship and Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Investigation at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Dr. Loo is a clinical investigator specializing in melanoma, immuno-oncology, and solid tumor cellular therapies. Her research focuses on translating discoveries in cancer immunology into more effective immunotherapies and cellular therapies for patients. Dr. Loo has received national recognition for her clinical and translational research, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award, and her work has been supported by competitive research funding dedicated to advancing cancer therapies.

Clinical Focus

  • Oncology

Academic Appointments

Professional Education

  • Fellowship: New York Presbyterian Cornell Campus Hematology Oncology Fellowship (2026) NY
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (2024)
  • Residency: New York Presbyterian Cornell Campus Internal Medicine Residency (2023) NY
  • Medical Education: Temple University School of Medicine (2020) PA

Contact

  • Clinical (Primary)  Stanford Cancer Center 900 Blake Wilbur Dr 3rd Fl Stanford, CA 94305 (650) 724-1445 (fax)

Additional Clinical Info

All Publications

  • Top advances of the year in autologous cellular therapy in melanoma and solid tumors. Cancer Loo, K., Betof, A. S. 2026; 132 (18): e70612

    Abstract

    The year 2025 marked significant advances in autologous cellular therapy for melanoma and solid tumors, building on landmark regulatory approvals in 2024. Lifileucel, the first Food and Drug Administration-approved tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy for advanced melanoma, demonstrated durable efficacy in the 5-year analysis of the C-144-01 trial, with an objective response rate (ORR) of 31.4% and prolonged responses in a heavily pretreated population. Real world data further supported its effectiveness, with higher ORR likely reflecting earlier lines of therapy and differences in patient selection. Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME)-targeted T-cell receptor (TCR) T-cell therapy (anzu-cel, IMA203) showed promising activity in a phase 1 study, with ORR of approximately 50% in checkpoint inhibitor refractory melanoma, durable responses, and manageable toxicity, validating PRAME as a high value target across multiple tumor types. Next-generation engineered TIL approaches emerged to address limitations of high-dose IL-2. OBX-115, an IL-2 independent TIL platform expressing membrane-bound IL-15 regulated by acetazolamide, demonstrated early clinical activity with ORR of 67% in initial phase 1 data. Additional strategies, including CRISPR-mediated gene editing and checkpoint disruption, highlight a shift toward programmable, self-sustaining cellular therapies. Personalized neoantigen-based therapies advanced with early clinical validation of adoptive T-cell platforms and mRNA vaccines, demonstrating immune activation and improved recurrence-free survival in melanoma. Finally, afamitresgene autoleucel (afami-cel), a MAGE-A4 directed TCR-T therapy, showed durable efficacy in synovial sarcoma and expanding activity across solid tumors, establishing proof of concept for TCR-T approaches. Collectively, these advances position autologous cellular therapy as an evolving standard of care in melanoma and a promising modality across solid tumors, with ongoing efforts focused on improving accessibility, overcoming resistance, and optimizing combinatorial strategies.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.70612

    View details for PubMedID 42734903

    View details for PubMedCentralID PMC13573839

  • Beyond the 5-year milestone: Long-term survivorship of melanoma patients treated off-trial with anti-PD-1. Pigment cell & melanoma research Loo, K., Kalvin, H. L., Panageas, K. S., Callahan, M. K., Chapman, P. B., Momtaz, P., Shoushtari, A. N., Wolchok, J. D., Postow, M. A., Warner, A. B. 2023

    Abstract

    Little is known about the long-term outcomes of anti-PD-1 treated patients with melanoma beyond 5years, especially for patients treated off clinical trials. This retrospective cohort study includes patients with unresectable stage III/IV nonuveal melanoma treated with anti-PD-1 off-trial at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between 2014 and 2017 who survived at least 5years following their first anti-PD-1 dose (N=139). We characterized overall survival (OS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS) estimates, treatment-free survival rates, and subsequent treatment courses. Median follow-up among 5-plus year survivors (N=125) was 78.4months (range 60.0-96.3). OS at year 7 (2years post 5-year landmark) was 90.1% (95% CI: 83.0%-94.3%). Fourteen deaths occurred, seven due to melanoma. MSS at year 7 (2years post 5-year landmark) was 95.0% (95% CI: 33.5%-95.2%). In patients who completed anti-PD-1 based therapy and did not require subsequent treatment by 5years (N=80), the probability of not requiring additional treatment for an additional 2years was 95.7% (95% CI: 91.0%-100%). Patients treated with anti-PD-1 regimens off clinical trials who survive at least 5years from initial anti-PD-1 treatment can be reassured of their excellent long-term prognosis, particularly if they did not require additional melanoma treatment during the first 5years.

    View details for DOI 10.1111/pcmr.13083

    View details for PubMedID 37039320