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.

and/or
385 News Items found
Graphical representation of cells leaking into bloodstream
In the Lab
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.
Epithelial cells
In the Lab
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.
Physician-scientist Piro Lito
In the Lab
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.
a design of colored lines and dots
In the News
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.
Enlarged image of neuroblastoma cell with stains.
In the Lab
Neuroblastoma May Result from DNA Circles Wreaking Havoc on the Genome

Mysterious circular DNA may contribute to neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.
Memorial Sloan Kettering medical oncologist Eileen O’Reilly
In the News
Year in Review: 10 Important Clinical Research Discoveries in 2019

As we approach the end of 2019, learn about some of the biggest advances in clinical research made this year at MSK.
Pedram Razavi, Jorge Reis-Filho, and Bob Li
Finding
Many Mutations Detected in Liquid Biopsy Tests Do Not Come from Cancer Cells, an MSK Study Finds

The new findings suggest the need for caution when interpreting the results from these tests.
DLP+ in action
In the Lab
One at a Time: New Tool Can Detect Genetic Changes in Thousands of Single Cancer Cells

Developed by scientists at MSK and the University of British Columbia/BC Cancer, the platform provides the deepest look yet into tumor evolution.
Nathanael Gray, Joshua Mendell, and Christopher Vakoc
Announcement
Three Scientists Are Named Winners of the Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research

Memorial Sloan Kettering has named three winners of this year’s Paul Marks Prize for Cancer Research, an award that recognizes promising investigators.
a colorful dendritic cell
In the Lab
Newly Discovered Immune Cell Subtypes Could Shake Up Immunotherapy

Dendritic cells, the guards of the immune system, have a previously unrecognized division of labor.