Renowned Cancer Researcher Dr. Daniela Matei Named Director of Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Strengthening Care Across Greater Houston
Cancer patients and families across Greater Houston—including those in Cypress, Willowbrook, The Woodlands, and West Houston near Katy—may soon benefit from expanded innovation and research leadership as Houston Methodist prepares to welcome a nationally recognized cancer physician and scientist to lead one of the region’s premier cancer programs.
Houston Methodist announced that Dr. Daniela Matei, an internationally respected clinician and translational scientist specializing in ovarian cancer research and treatment, will become the next director of the Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center, beginning in April following a national search.
Her appointment signals continued investment in cutting-edge cancer research, clinical trials and patient-centered care throughout the Houston Methodist system, which serves communities across the region through a growing network of cancer centers.
A Leader in Cancer Research and Innovation
Dr. Matei currently serves as chief of the Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and leads the Translational Research in Malignancies Program at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Over the course of her career, she has built a global reputation for advancing the understanding and treatment of ovarian cancer. Her work has helped shape new therapies and research pathways aimed at improving outcomes for women facing gynecologic cancers.
Matei has authored more than 170 scientific publications with more than 15,000 citations, and for the past two decades she has served on committees and advisory groups for major national organizations including the National Cancer Institute, American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network.
Her research focuses on translating discoveries made in the laboratory into real-world treatments for patients—a process often described as bringing innovation “from bench to bedside.”
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Strengthening Cancer Care Across Greater Houston
The Houston Methodist Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center provides specialized cancer care through a network of eight locations across Greater Houston, allowing patients to access advanced treatment closer to home while remaining connected to a leading academic medical system.
These locations include:
- Houston Methodist Texas Medical Center
- Houston Methodist Baytown
- Houston Methodist Clear Lake
- Houston Methodist Cypress
- Houston Methodist West Houston (near Katy)
- Houston Methodist Sugar Land
- Houston Methodist Willowbrook
- Houston Methodist The Woodlands
For residents in fast-growing areas like Cypress, Willowbrook, the Woodlands and West Houston/Katy, the network ensures access to nationally recognized cancer specialists, clinical trials, precision medicine therapies and multidisciplinary care without always needing to travel to the Texas Medical Center.
Dr. Matei’s leadership is expected to further integrate research breakthroughs with patient treatment across these community-based locations.
Advancing Translational and Precision Medicine
Houston Methodist leadership says Matei’s expertise will help expand the center’s work in translational cancer research, precision oncology and clinical trials, which aim to tailor treatments to the genetic makeup of individual tumors.
Marc L. Boom, M.D., president and CEO of Houston Methodist, said her arrival represents an important step for the institution’s research mission and patient care capabilities.
“We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Matei to lead the Neal Cancer Center,” Boom said, noting that her expertise will help advance research and innovation that benefits patients across Houston, Texas and beyond.
Matei will succeed interim director Dr. Nestor Esnaola, who stepped into the leadership role in 2025 after former director Dr. Jenny Chang became president and CEO of the Houston Methodist Academic Institute.
Her recruitment was supported by a $4 million Recruitment of Established Investigator award from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, reinforcing the state’s commitment to expanding world-class cancer research in Texas.
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What This Means for Local Patients
For patients throughout Greater Houston—including rapidly growing communities like Katy, Cypress and northwest Harris County—the leadership transition reflects Houston Methodist’s continued focus on delivering:
- Expanded access to clinical trials and research-driven treatments
- Increased collaboration between research laboratories and clinical teams
- Continued growth of specialty cancer services closer to home
- Advanced precision oncology and targeted therapies
As the region’s population continues to grow, access to specialized cancer care within community hospitals has become increasingly important for patients seeking both convenience and leading-edge treatment options.
With Dr. Matei set to take the helm in April, Houston Methodist leaders say the Neal Cancer Center is poised to further strengthen its role as a hub for innovation, research and patient-focused cancer care across the Houston region.
Residents seeking more information about cancer services or clinical trials can learn more through Houston Methodist and its network of Dr. Mary and Ron Neal Cancer Center locations throughout Greater Houston.
For ongoing health care updates, medical breakthroughs and community health developments affecting local residents, stay tuned to My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.