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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Two scientists in white lab coats engage in conversation in a bright laboratory. The woman, wearing blue gloves, gestures while talking to the bearded man. In the background, another person works at a computer, suggesting a collaborative research environment.

Two scientists in white lab coats are engaged in a discussion in a laboratory, examining a notebook. The male scientist, with curly hair, points towards the notebook held by the female scientist, who wears gloves and looks attentively. Background shelves are filled with laboratory supplies.

A researcher in a lab coat is carefully setting up a scientific instrument, the UltiMate 3000. The equipment has several bottles with blue caps and connected tubes, indicating preparation for an experiment in a laboratory environment.

A woman and a man in lab coats are seated at a desk, focused on a computer screen displaying colorful data visualizations. The woman points at the screen, while the man observes attentively. Both wear blue gloves, and various lab equipment is visible in the background.

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.

Two researchers in lab coats are engaged in discussion in a laboratory setting. One is holding a notebook and pen, while the other appears to be explaining something, both demonstrating a collaborative working environment focused on scientific research.

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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

Eine Ansammlung von runden, leuchtend blauen Zellen auf einem dunklen Hintergrund. Die Zellen sind unterschiedlich groß und scheinen miteinander in Verbindung zu stehen, was ein Gefühl von Dynamik und Lebendigkeit vermittelt.

18. February 2026

3D microtumors could revolutionize treatment decisions

Chemotherapy is often a central component of treatment for advanced colorectal cancer. However, not every therapy is equally effective for every patient. Researchers from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), the HI-STEM* stem cell institute, and the biotech company Xilis in Utrecht, Netherlands, have now developed a new method for selecting the most effective drug before treatment begins. The method is based on tiny 3D tumor models that can be tested in high throughput.

Eine Hand mit einer Spritze entnimmt eine Probe aus dem Rückenmark. Neben der Wirbelsäule steht ein Reagenzglas, das eine Flüssigkeit mit DNA-Strukturen enthält. Die Darstellung vermittelt einen medizinischen Kontext, möglicherweise im Bereich der Genetik oder Zellforschung.

17. February 2026

Tracing Tumors in Cerebrospinal Fluid: A New Opportunity for Precision Diagnostics in Brain Tumors

Ein Patient liegt auf einem Behandlungstisch in einer medizinischen Geräteeinrichtung. Grüne Laserlinienschnittmuster sind auf das Gesicht des Patienten projiziert, während eine blaue Beleuchtung um ihn herum leuchtet. Der Patient trägt ein Netz auf dem Kopf.

13. February 2026

Molecular cause of radiation damage identified

Die Abbildung zeigt ein menschliches Skelett mit hervorgehobener Leber. Die Leber ist orangefarbig dargestellt, um ihre Position und Form im Brustbereich zu verdeutlichen. Das Bild verdeutlicht die Anatomie des menschlichen Körpers.

04. February 2026

A double-edged sword: Chronic cellular stress promotes liver cancer - but at the same time renders tumors vulnerable to immunotherapy

Das Bild zeigt Hellmut Augustin (links) und Michael Platten

27. January 2026

Double ERC success for DKFZ researchers

Eine futuristische Darstellung zeigt einen menschlichen, transparenten Umriss in der Mitte, umgeben von einem Schaltkreis. links ein Affe, rechts ein Schwein und unten eine Maus, die alle auf orangefarbenen Platinen stehen. Über ihnen hängen drei chirurgische Lampen.

26. January 2026

AI learns from animals: New approach to improve surgical imaging

Ein Mann in einem weißen Laborkittel steht in einem modernen Labor. Er trägt eine Brille und schaut direkt in die Kamera. Der Hintergrund zeigt Geräte und Laborelemente, die auf eine wissenschaftliche Umgebung hinweisen.

21. January 2026

Highly endowed research award for DKFZ scientist

Die Abbildung zeigt drei ovale Bereiche mit bunten Punkten in verschiedenen Farben, darunter Grün, Pink und Gelb, vor einem dunklen Hintergrund. Diese Punkte deuten auf Zellstrukturen hin. Rote Linien sind im Hintergrund sichtbar und stellen möglicherweise zelluläre Strukturen dar.

16. January 2026

How cells control inflammatory responses

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The call for the Clinician Scientist Fellowships 2026 is open

DKFZ Clinician Scientist Fellowships are offered to physicians who are conducting specialized medical training and who wish to enhance their careers by gaining research experience. The fellowships are distinguished by protected research time, comprehensive training offers and intersectoral mentoring relationships.

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
Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship

Everything about the topic Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship
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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Do you have questions on the topic of cancer?

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Research for a life without cancer

Latest from DKFZ

The call for the Clinician Scientist Fellowships 2026 is open

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

Our research topi­cs

Cell and Tumor Biology

Functional and Structural Genomics

Epidemiology, Public Health, Prevention and Survivorship

Immunology, Infection and Cancer

Imaging and Radiooncology