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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378 News Items found
Finding
What Causes Leukemia after Breast Cancer? Research Shows That a Mutation May Be Present All Along

A study from MSK takes a deeper look at some of the causes of secondary leukemia.
a man holding a shield and sword
Finding
Scientists See Potential in Cellular 'Death by Iron' for Cancer Treatment

This form of cell death is called ferroptosis, and certain cancer cells are especially vulnerable to it.
Microscopy image of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus
In the Lab
Researchers Identify a Bacterial Species That Could Protect against Hospital-Acquired Infections

MSK researchers are reporting that a bacterial species called Blautia producta appears to release a substance that kills harmful bacteria.
An illustration of two teapots with liquid flowing into various cups
In the Lab
How Stem Cells Decide Their Fate

Research in blood stem cells has revealed new information about how these cells decide what to become when they divide.
An illustration of proteins serving as bar-code-reading drones
In the Lab
“Molecular Origami” Enables Proteins to Serve as Specialized Delivery Vehicles, Study Finds

Scientists at the Sloan Kettering Institute have identified a fundamentally new type of protein-sorting system in cells.
Cancer biologist and pediatric oncologist Alex Kentsis
In the Lab
Analyzing Urine Can Guide the Treatment of Childhood Kidney Tumors

A protein detected in the urine of children with Wilms’ tumor led to the development of a test to improve diagnosis and treatment.
An illustration of sugar pouring onto NRF2
Finding
Sugar Directly Controls a Cancer-Causing Protein, Scientists Find

The discovery suggests a potential new treatment approach for certain cancers.
Medical oncologist William Tap
In the Clinic
FDA Approves Pexidartinib, a Targeted Therapy for a Tumor of the Joints

Pexidartinib is the first drug approved specifically to treat tenosynovial giant cell tumor.
Doctor and patient
In the Clinic
Study Asks: Are Women Missing Out on BRCA Testing?

Results from a study of women with breast and ovarian cancer show surprisingly low rates of genetic testing.
Thomas Fuchs
In the Lab
Researchers Report Milestone in Use of Artificial Intelligence in Pathology

MSK researchers developed an artificial intelligence system to detect cancer on digitized microscope slides.