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
Albert Kuchler discussing his treatment results with MSK oncologist Bob Li at a recent clinic visit.
Feature
For People with a Rare Mouth Cancer, a Targeted Drug Can Be Lifesaving

The drug targets a protein called HER2 found on some salivary gland tumors.
An illustration of a magnifying glass over a brain.
Finding
Study Reveals a New Way That Stress and Aging Lead to Alzheimer’s

A targeted approach being developed to treat certain cancers may also be effective for Alzheimer’s disease.
Cancer biologist Scott Lowe at a white board
Feature
Researchers Find that Vitamin B6 Contributes to Survival of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells

This research marks the first time researchers have found a connection between vitamin B6 and cancer.
Graphical representation of cells leaking into bloodstream
In the Lab
What Does Cancer Metastasis Have to Do with Wound Healing? More than You Might Think

Scientists are learning that — in a literal sense — metastasis is wound healing gone wrong.
Epithelial cells
In the Lab
Mind the Gap: Scientists Learn How Cells Make and Repair Tight Connections

New findings from researchers at the Sloan Kettering Institute provide insight into a fundamental biological process called the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
Physician-scientist Piro Lito
In the Lab
Why KRAS Inhibitors for Lung Cancer Stop Working (and What Can Be Done about It)

Recently developed targeted drugs used to treat lung cancer are only partially effective. Scientists now know why.
a design of colored lines and dots
In the News
10 Remarkable Basic Science Breakthroughs from 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, take a moment to reflect on the science stories that made the year one to remember.
Enlarged image of neuroblastoma cell with stains.
In the Lab
Neuroblastoma May Result from DNA Circles Wreaking Havoc on the Genome

Mysterious circular DNA may contribute to neuroblastoma and other childhood cancers.
Memorial Sloan Kettering medical oncologist Eileen O’Reilly
In the News
Year in Review: 10 Important Clinical Research Discoveries in 2019

As we approach the end of 2019, learn about some of the biggest advances in clinical research made this year at MSK.
Illustration of breast cancer cell
In the Clinic
Targeted Drug Shows Promise Against HER2-Positive Breast Cancer That Stops Responding to Other Drugs

MSK medical oncologist Shanu Modi is the lead author of a new paper detailing the results from a phase II trial of a breast cancer drug called trastuzumab deruxtecan or DS-8201a. Results from this study were also presented at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.