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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391 News Items found
A doctor speaks with a patient who has advanced prostate cancer about inherited mutations.
In the Clinic
Study Suggests Men with Metastatic Prostate Cancer Should Be Tested for Inherited Mutations

Learn why a new finding suggests that men with advanced prostate cancer should be screened for gene mutations.
MSK physician Aimee Crago consults with two colleagues.
In the Clinic
New Targeted Drug Therapy for Advanced Sarcoma Extends Survival by Nearly a Year

Learn more about olaratumab, a promising drug that has been shown to extend survival for people with advanced soft tissue sarcoma — particularly leiomyosarcoma — by nearly a year in a phase II clinical trial.
DNA molecules wrapped around histones
Feature
The Future of Cancer Research: Five Reasons for Optimism

Discover some of the most exciting research that Memorial Sloan Kettering scientists are pursuing in the fight against cancer.
scan of mouse blood vessel
In the Lab
Surprising Discovery Connects Rare Vascular Disease to Cancer Gene

Researchers found that a common cancer gene called PIK3CA also causes the condition venous malformation. Their discovery has already pointed the way to targeted therapies for this rare and painful condition that affects one in 10,000 people.
Colored x-ray of lung cancer
In the Lab
New Lung Cancer Therapy May Target Previously Untreatable Tumors

Researchers are developing uses for a drug that could benefit many people with lung cancer.
Image of two sets of embryonic cells
In the Lab
The Dual Life of PTEN: Gene Mutations Contribute to Both Cancer and Birth Defects

MSK investigators have shown that a gene mutation linked to many kinds of cancer can also cause birth defects of the nervous system.
Doctor standing in front of a rainbow flag
Advocacy
Out in Front: Scientists and Activists Call for Recognition of LGBT Cancer Risks

How does being lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender affect your risk of getting cancer? Good question.
A child has his eyes examined by an ophthalmic oncologist.
Q&A
Large Study of Retinoblastoma Survivors Identifies Extent of Medical Conditions Later in Life

The treatment that children receive for retinoblastoma can lead to health problems later in life. A new study documents their frequency and extent.
Pictured: Casper zebrafish
In the Lab
Studying Cancer Mysteries Just Beneath the Scales

Hail to the zebrafish. MSK scientists are using a small fish to answer some big questions about cancer.
Young man receiving chemotherapy.
Q&A
Meet the MSK Oncologist on a Quest to Cure Hodgkin Lymphoma with Fewer Long-Term Side Effects

MSK medical oncologist David Straus is looking for less-intensive treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of blood cancer most commonly found in young adults.