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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379 News Items found
MSK light bright image
In Brief
Can You Hear Me Now? Scientists Find Nanoparticles Have a Language of Their Own

Nanoparticles were thought of a silent partner in imaging technologies. They’re now being recognized as an important source of subatomic chatter.
Dermatologist examining skin on the face of older man.
In the Clinic
Immunotherapy Drug Shows Promise for Metastatic Merkel Cell Carcinoma

An immunotherapy drug might be an effective initial treatment for people with metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma.
Hand points to brain scan
Q&A
New Classification System Will Improve Diagnosis and Treatment of Brain Tumors

There are more than 100 subtypes of brain tumors, making them a challenge to accurately diagnose. Now researchers have figured out a way to reliably distinguish them.
Chemical biologist Gabriela Chiosis in a laboratory
In the Clinic
Experimental Cancer Drug Developed at MSK Leads to New Approach for Treating Alzheimer's Disease

A family of drugs developed at MSK targets disrupted processes in cells in diseases related to aging.
Illustration of girl standing in front of charging bull
In Brief
Scientists Identify How Gene Mutation Drives a Deadly Childhood Cancer

Synovial sarcoma is an aggressive cancer primarily affecting children and young adults. A new study gets to the bottom of it.
Illustration of a female doctor touching a strand of DNA
In the Clinic
New MSK Initiative Focuses on the Early Detection and Prevention of Cancer

Because cancer is more treatable when it’s caught early, MSK’s new Precision Interception and Prevention initiative focuses on early detection.
Molecular model of olaparib
Q&A
The Latest on Genetic Testing for BRCA Mutations in Breast Cancer

An MSK medical oncologist and geneticist discusses the latest drug approved for breast cancer and how genetic testing can lead to new treatments.
Bob Fontaine (with daughter Mariah, mother Margaret, and wife Ann) credits Dr. Ariyan's trial with saving his life.
In the Clinic
After Isolated Limb Infusion, People with Melanoma Get a Second Chance at Life

Meet three people who were treated as part of a clinical trial for melanoma at Memorial Sloan Kettering.
Jedd Wolchok and Charlotte Ariyan in the lab
In the Clinic
Chemotherapy-Immunotherapy Combination Aims to Knock Out Melanoma with a One-Two Punch

A new approach for treating melanoma combines the immunotherapy drug ipilimumab with chemotherapy that treats only the area affected by cancer.
Medical oncologist Jae Park
In the Clinic
Longest-Running CAR T Trial Shows Which Patients Benefit Most, Have Fewest Side Effects

The study represents 20 years of research at MSK.