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.

About DKFZ

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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.

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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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Latest from DKFZ

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

Until today, the aggressiveness of prostate cancer has been assessed primarily using the Gleason grading system—an analysis of cancer tissue in a pathology laboratory that is highly subjective. An international research team led by the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) has now developed a novel, explainable AI model that aims to make the diagnosis of prostate cancer more transparent and less susceptible to error.

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

Nahaufnahme von Krebszellen in lebendigen Farben, mit einer Zielmarkierung über einer der Zellen. Die Zellen erscheinen unregelmäßig und gefärbt, was auf aktive biologische Prozesse hinweist. Der Hintergrund ist unscharf und verstärkt den Fokus auf die Zellen im Vordergrund.

28. August 2025

Inhibition of cell division induces immunoreactive peptides in cancer cells

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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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Do you have questions on the topic of cancer?

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Looking for a new challenge? Become part of our team!

The German Cancer Research Center offers excellent working conditions and a modern, international environment.

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Support us in making groundbreaking progress in cancer research!

Your donation is your contribution - for a life without cancer. Whether a single donation or a standing order - with your donation you help to advance cancer research.

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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