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
Epigenetics
Q&A
Setting Cancer Cells on the Right Path: A New Leukemia Drug Shows Growing Promise

An experimental drug for acute myelogenous leukemia might potentially help many more patients than previously thought by controlling epigenetic processes, according to a recent MSK study.
New treatments developed at MSK focus on both common and rare cancers.
In the Clinic
Report Highlights Advances Made at MSK That Are Changing Patients’ Lives

An annual report from an influential cancer group highlights three MSK studies that have advanced cancer research.
Neurons created from embryonic stem cells
In the Lab
Seeing the Light: How Engineered Nerve Cells Might Curb Parkinson’s Disease

A new tool called optogenetics is revealing clues about the function of a promising experimental therapy derived from stem cells.
Pictured: Viviane Tabar
In the Lab
Investigators Use Stem Cells to Study Rare Pediatric Brain Tumors

Investigators have created the first-ever genetically engineered model of cancer made from human embryonic stem cells in culture.
MSK investigators Michael Berger and David Solit.
Finding
Study Reveals How Some Breast Cancers Become Resistant to Targeted Drugs

A study of one patient’s disease has clarified why tumors stop responding to a class of experimental drugs called PI3K inhibitors.
Pictured: William Lee, Chris Sander & Nils Weinhold
In the Lab
Beyond the Usual Suspects: Study of Noncoding DNA Reveals New Mutations Linked to Cancer

In a study of patient tumor samples, researchers have found common mutations in parts of the genome that control gene regulation.
Cancer biologist Andrea Ventura
In the Lab
Disorderly DNA: Researchers Simulate a Common Cause of Lung Cancer

MSK scientists have created a mouse model that replicates a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer caused by a chromosomal rearrangement.
Pictured: Pseudomonas aeruginosa
In the Lab
The Enemy’s Telltale Mark: Researchers Find Novel Way Body Defends against Harmful Bacteria

MSK researchers discover that the body senses and attacks harmful bacteria indirectly after the pathogens cause stress within the cells.
Pictured: Ping Chi
In the Lab
Molecular Studies Provide New Clues about Rare Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Genetic analysis reveals biomarkers and possible drug targets for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.
Pictured: Scott Lowe
In the Lab
Researchers Uncover Potential Target for “Undruggable” Form of Liver Cancer

In taking a new approach to finding treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma, MSK scientists have uncovered a potential drug target for this highly aggressive cancer.