Recent MSK Discoveries & Advances

Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers are relentlessly exploring every aspect of cancer — from basic investigations of cells and molecules to clinical trials of new treatments and population-wide studies of the disease. While our core mission is to translate this knowledge into new strategies to control cancer, many of our investigators are also making scientific progress against other diseases and conditions.

Below are some examples of discoveries and advances that recently were made in our laboratories and clinics, and featured in our news stories.

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373 News Items found
In the News
Gears with 2016 and 2017
Year in Review: The Science and Technology that Shaped Cancer Care in 2017

As 2017 draws to a close, take a look back at the scientific discoveries that deepened our understanding of cancer in the past year.
In the Lab
Sloan Kettering Institute Director Joan Massagué with laboratory member Karuna Ganesh
When Cancer Spreads: Research Focuses on Better Ways to Treat Metastasis

MSK investigators are learning how cancer cells escape from the original tumor and hide out in the body. Their goal is to prevent metastatic tumors from forming.
In the Lab
A microscopic view of genetically engineered mouse tumor and a human FL-HCC tumor
With Help of CRISPR, Scientists Unravel the Cause of a Rare Liver Cancer

A team led by MSK molecular biologist Scott Lowe is making progress against fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma.
Announcement
Gloved hand and magnifying glass on banded DNA sequences
FDA Authorizes MSK-IMPACT Test for Analyzing Patient Tumors

The test, developed at MSK, looks for alterations in 468 genes that are seen in both common and rare cancers.
Science Byte
Prostate cancer cells, colored red in scanning electron micrograph (SEM).
PSMA: A New Target for Prostate Cancer Treatment

Researchers have discovered how a high level of the protein PSMA in cells helps fuel prostate cancer.
Feature
Former MSK president Paul Marks
The Man behind the Prize: How Paul Marks Shaped Modern Cancer Research

Recent advances in epigenetic and targeted therapies owe a lot to the foresight of former MSK President Paul Marks, who believed in the importance of basic research.
In the Lab
iron-filled macrophages from a breast cancer tumor
MSK-Developed Technology Provides a “Virtual Biopsy” of Immune Cells in Tumors

The noninvasive approach could help scientists track the movements of an important cell type that can influence the outcome of cancer treatment.
In the Lab
Stem cells induced to become cardiomyocytes
Stem Cell Research Probes Why a Breast Cancer Treatment Sometimes Damages the Heart

Investigators are looking at how and why the breast cancer drug trastuzumab sometimes causes long-lasting and potentially serious cardiac side effects.
In the Lab
A micrograph image of breast cancer cells.
Research Reveals How Sleeping Cancer Cells Wake Up

MSK investigators are studying how dormant cancer cells can become reactivated after remaining hidden in the body for years.
In the Clinic
Image of DNA helix with sequence in the background
Genetic ‘Scars’ Provide Clues for Tailoring Cancer Treatment

For the first time, scientists have determined the extent of DNA repair deficiencies across cancer types. Learn what it means for patients.