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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374 News Items found
In the Lab
An illustration of lung develop alongside tumor evolution
Shape-Shifting Stem Cells Are Key to Cancer Metastasis and Immune Evasion

By assuming primitive regenerative identities, cancer cells gain the adaptability they need to establish tumors in new parts of the body.
Feature
A female nurse talks with a female patient, who is sitting in an exam chair
A Decade of Progress in Cancer Care, and What’s Next

Advances in diagnosis and treatment, especially those made over the past ten years, have played a significant role in the decline in cancer deaths. Learn about those advances — and what to expect in the next ten years.
Finding
The human papillomavirus (HPV)
Cancers Caused by HPV Respond Better to Treatment — a New Study Helps Explain Why

According to Memorial Sloan Kettering scientists, it has to do with what the virus does to a cell’s DNA repair machinery.
Feature
Albert Kuchler discussing his treatment results with MSK oncologist Bob Li at a recent clinic visit.
For People with a Rare Mouth Cancer, a Targeted Drug Can Be Lifesaving

The drug targets a protein called HER2 found on some salivary gland tumors.
Finding
An illustration of a magnifying glass over a brain.
Study Reveals a New Way That Stress and Aging Lead to Alzheimer’s

A targeted approach being developed to treat certain cancers may also be effective for Alzheimer’s disease.
Feature
Cancer biologist Scott Lowe at a white board
Researchers Find that Vitamin B6 Contributes to Survival of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

This research marks the first time researchers have found a connection between vitamin B6 and cancer.
In the Lab
Graphical representation of cells leaking into bloodstream
What Does Cancer Metastasis Have to Do with Wound Healing? More than You Might Think

Scientists are learning that — in a literal sense — metastasis is wound healing gone wrong.
In the Lab
Epithelial cells
Mind the Gap: Scientists Learn How Cells Make and Repair Tight Connections

New findings from researchers at the Sloan Kettering Institute provide insight into a fundamental biological process called the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
In the Lab
Physician-scientist Piro Lito
Why KRAS Inhibitors for Lung Cancer Stop Working (and What Can Be Done about It)

Recently developed targeted drugs used to treat lung cancer are only partially effective. Scientists now know why.
In the News
a design of colored lines and dots
10 Remarkable Basic Science Breakthroughs from 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the science stories that made the year one to remember.