Research for a life without cancer

At the DKFZ, we want to ensure that fewer people develop cancer, that cancer can be cured or treated so effectively that those affected can live with the disease and grow old with a good quality of life.

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A female scientist in a lab coat and safety goggles holds a laboratory flask while setting up equipment. The laboratory is well-equipped, featuring various glassware and scientific instruments, indicating research activities taking place. The environment suggests a focus on scientific experimentation and innovation.

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Two medical professionals are examining an MRI scan displayed on a tablet. They are in a clinical setting, with a CT scanner visible in the background. The focus is on the scan and their collaborative analysis, highlighting teamwork in medical diagnostics.

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Latest from DKFZ

Die Abbildung zeigt vier Zellen, die in zwei Gruppen angeordnet sind. Zwei Zellen sind blau und rund, während die anderen zwei in Gelb leuchten und eine unregelmäßige Form haben. Der Hintergrund ist schwarz, was die Farben der Zellen hervorhebt.

10. October 2025

Acidic tumor environment promotes survival and growth of cancer cells

Tumors are not a comfortable place to live: oxygen deficiency, nutrient scarcity, and the accumulation of sometimes harmful metabolic products constantly stress cancer cells. A research team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the Institute of Molecular Pathology (IMP) in Vienna has now discovered that the acidic pH value in tumor tissue—known as acidosis—is a decisive factor in how pancreatic cancer cells adapt their energy metabolism in order to survive under these adverse conditions. The results were published in the journal Science.

A medical professional uses a pencil to point at a detailed anatomical model of the male reproductive system, while a patient watches attentively. The setting suggests a consultation or educational discussion about human anatomy.

09. October 2025

Transparent artificial intelligence improves assessment of prostate cancer aggressiveness

Eine stilisierte Darstellung eines menschlichen Kopfes im Profil, dessen Gehirn mit leuchtenden, digitalen Elementen angereichert ist. Im Hintergrund sind Datenströme und eine Weltkarte zu sehen, die das Zusammenspiel von Technologie und Wissen symbolisieren.

24. September 2025

No GPS in the head: How the brain flexibly switches between internal maps

Eine anatomische Darstellung eines menschlichen Körpers mit hervorgehobenen Lungen. Eine Lunge zeigt farbige Bereiche, die möglicherweise auf eine Erkrankung oder Anomalie hinweisen. Der Fokus liegt auf der funktionalen Struktur der Lungen und deren Bedeutung für die Atmung.

23. September 2025

Not all ALK fusions act the same: Variants influence treatment success in lung cancer

Crowd of people walking on the sunny and busy city street. Soft focus

17. September 2025

AI model predicts disease risks decades in advance

Mikroskopische Ansicht einer Probe, die vorwiegend in lebhaften Lila- und violetten Farbtönen dargestellt ist. Die Struktur zeigt verschiedene organische Formen und Texturen, die auf zelluläre oder gewebliche Elemente hinweisen. Es gibt auch Stellen in Grün und anderen Farben, die zusätzliche Details bieten.

12. September 2025

In bad company: Immune cells in the tumor environment determine the success of therapy for childhood brain tumors

Das Bild zeigt ein 3D-Modell eines Proteins mit mehreren spiralförmigen Strukturen in Orange und lila. Kleinere Moleküle sind in einer Kombination von Farben am unteren Teil des Modells dargestellt, was chemische Bindungen andeutet.

04. September 2025

Rare bone tumors: Tailor-made mini-proteins switch off tumor drivers

Digitale Darstellung von HP-Viren in lila Farben, die vor einem dunklen Hintergrund angeordnet sind. Die Struktur der Viren zeigt komplexe, knollenartige Formen. Die Abbildung vermittelt ein wissenschaftliches Konzept zur Mikrobiologie und Virenforschung.

03. September 2025

Therapeutic vaccination against HPV-related tumors: Nanoparticles make the difference

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Apply now for one of the prestigious DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships!

We are looking for highly qualified and motivated early-career scientists who wish to conduct research in basic or translational cancer research. Through a competitive selection process, the DKFZ will award up to seven fellowships this year, each with a duration of two years.

Apply now

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

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Our research topics

Cell and Tumor Biology

Everything about the topic Cell and Tumor Biology
Functional and Structural Genomics

Everything about the topic Functional and Structural Genomics
Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Everything about the topic Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention
Immunology, Infection and Cancer

Everything about the topic Immunology, Infection and Cancer
Imaging and Radiooncology

Everything about the topic Imaging and Radiooncology

To the research topics

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Avoid cancer risk factors

The German Cancer Research Center has set itself the task of protecting citizens from cancer by strengthening tobacco and alcohol prevention, promoting healthy nutrition and exercise and improving access to and uptake of the HPV vaccination.

Research for a life without cancer

Latest from DKFZ

Apply now for one of the prestigious DKFZ Postdoctoral Fellowships!

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

Our research topi­cs

Cell and Tumor Biology

Functional and Structural Genomics

Cancer Risk Factors and Prevention

Immunology, Infection and Cancer

Imaging and Radiooncology