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
Andrea Cercek, a medical oncologist in MSK’s Gastrointestinal Service, speaking to a patient.
Feature
MSK Expert Weighs In on New Study Showing Rising Rates of Colorectal Cancer in Young People

Learn more from Andrea Cercek about a new study showing that colorectal cancer rates are increasing in younger people.
CAR T cells attacking cancer
In the Lab
CRISPR Genome-Editing Tool Takes Cancer Immunotherapy to the Next Level

What do you get when you combine two of the hottest areas of biotechnology? A new paper from MSK researchers explains.
Histology images of stem cells and AML cells
In the Lab
Step by Step: Stem Cell Approach Provides New Models for Studying How Acute Myeloid Leukemia Progresses

A new laboratory tool will allow researchers to study the progression from normal cells to myelodysplastic syndromes to an aggressive type of leukemia.
Pancreatic beta cells
In the Lab
Connecting the Dots: Stem Cells Provide Valuable Tool for Linking Genes and Disease

Researchers are using pluripotent stem cells to create models of diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Lymphedema can produce uncomfortable swelling in the arms or legs in the months and years following cancer treatment.
In the Lab
Could a Topical Cream Prevent Lymphedema? Study in Mice Suggests Yes

By blocking a source of inflammation in the skin, it may be possible to prevent or treat lymphedema, a common and debilitating cancer complication.
Pathology slide showing DCIS and invasive cancer
In the Lab
Forensic Techniques Enable Study of Individual Breast Cancer Cells from MSK’s Archives

Analysis of long-preserved single cells on pathology slides aims to provide new clues about the genes that make breast cancer more aggressive.
Barry Taylor
Feature
With MSK Leading the Way, Precision Medicine Links Lab Research to Patient Care

Therapies that target genetic alterations in tumors are showing promise for many cancer patients, but challenges in developing these new treatments remain.
Woman giving presentation at work
Finding
Study Highlights Workplace Difficulties Some Women Face During Cancer Treatment

Discover the role of the work environment in the life and career of an employee with cancer.
Blue sphere (stem cell) with green dots scattered around the surface
Feature
Stemming the Tide: A Promising Target for Treating Some Blood Cancers

Learn about a potential new strategy for treating people with blood cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) that targets a protein on cancer stem cells.
A pancreatic cancer cell
Finding
Two Studies Shed Light on Genetics of Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

New research of metastatic pancreatic cancer has shown that the same mutations are involved in driving both the primary tumor and the metastases.