Dr. Ben Cooper

Dr. Ben Cooper became interested in radiation oncology after witnessing a patient with prostate cancer regain the ability to walk following radiation treatment for spinal cord compression. This experience reinforced his passion for caring for patients with cancer and collaborating with others who are equally dedicated to finding the most effective treatments. Dr. Cooper specializes in the treatment of skin cancers, primarily melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma, as well as lung cancer. He also cares for pediatric patients with solid tumors, including brain tumors, sarcomas, and Wilms tumor. For patients who may not be ideal surgical candidates due to tumor location or underlying medical conditions, he utilizes radiation therapy to provide additional treatment options.


He offers several advanced forms of radiation therapy, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), which delivers highly precise doses of radiation in fewer treatment sessions compared to traditional radiation therapy. As Director of Proton Therapy Services at NYU Langone Health, Dr. Cooper provides targeted radiation treatment using proton therapy, an approach that uses electrically charged particles rather than traditional X-rays to destroy tumor cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This technique is especially valuable in treating children with brain and spinal tumors while reducing exposure to critical organs such as the heart and lungs.


Dr. Cooper works closely with a multidisciplinary team that includes medical oncologists, surgeons, pathologists, dermatologists, and pulmonologists to provide coordinated and efficient patient care. He is deeply committed to maximizing his patients’ quality of life and strongly believes in shared decision-making, ensuring that treatment goals align with each patient’s individual needs and preferences. He is also known for his willingness to adapt treatment plans to better support patients’ lifestyles and circumstances.


In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cooper is actively involved in research focused on improving cancer treatment outcomes. His current research explores the combination of immunotherapy and radiation therapy for breast, head and neck, and lung cancers. In 2015, he received a Merit Award from American Society of Clinical Oncology’s Conquer Cancer Foundation for his research in gastrointestinal cancer.