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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385 News Items found
Lab mouse with cultured human pluripotent stem cells
In the Lab
A New Mouse? Genetically Pliable Stem Cells Could Advance Research on Many Diseases

Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers have developed a powerful new way to study human disease using stem cells whose genomes can be manipulated at will.
An origami crane illustrates the importance of RNA folding for regulating gene translation. The bolded sequences on the crane’s wings indicate the portion that is critical for the manufacture of many cancer-causing proteins.
In the Lab
Compound from Tropical Plant Targets Key Cancer-Causing Genes

Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers have found a naturally occurring compound that can destroy cancer cells in mice by targeting <em>MYC</em>, a cancer-causing gene that has remained elusive until now.
Pictured: Gabriela Chiosis
Finding
Hsp90: A Very Promising Target for Cancer Therapy

A small molecule discovered at MSK called PU-H71 blocks the growth of cancer cells and enables doctors to image tumors.
Pictured: Gum ball machines
Decoder
What Is Tumor Heterogeneity?

Understanding tumor heterogeneity may be the next big quest in cancer science, as differences between cells within a tumor can have important consequences for how cancers are diagnosed and treated.
Pictured: Serge Lyashchenko
In the Clinic
How Our New Particle Accelerator Will Make Cancer Imaging and Treatment More Precise

The launch of a 20-ton instrument and a facility for producing radioactive imaging molecules will allow our doctors and scientists to monitor cancers in unparalleled detail.
Pictured: Activated macrophage
In the Lab
Researchers Reveal How Tumors Manipulate Certain Immune Cells to Their Own Advantage

Researchers are exploring a mysterious population of immune cells that live within tumors and can help the cancer grow and spread.
Pictured: Macrophage & Tumor Cells
Feature
Turning to Bacteria for Cancer Clues

Approaches used for research into the social lives of bacteria can also be used to explore how tumors behave and evolve.
Pictured: José Baselga
Announcement
Memorial Sloan Kettering Featured Prominently at Major Cancer Research Meeting

Discoveries made at Memorial Sloan Kettering receive recognition at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Pictured: Human cell nucleus
Snapshot
Not So Fast: Dividing Cells Use a “Speed Limit” to Avoid Genetic Mistakes

The discovery of a molecular process that slows down cell division could provide new understanding about how some cancers develop.
Pictured: Jan Grimm
In the Lab
Spongelike Particles Show Promise for Delivering Drugs to Tumors

Memorial Sloan Kettering researchers are investigating the use of tiny particles that behave like sponges to take in drugs and deliver them to tumors.