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

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.

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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

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

Chordomas are rare bone tumors for which there are currently no effective drugs. A research team from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and the National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg has now developed a promising approach: Tailor-made mini-proteins specifically block the central driver of tumor development. In the result, they slowed the growth of chordoma cells in the laboratory and in a mouse model, while also revealing further molecular vulnerabilities of the tumor that could be addressed with already approved drugs.

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

14. August 2025

Freezing brain tumor cells in a dormant state

12. August 2025

Possible target for new immunotherapy

22. July 2025

Colorectal cancer in type 2 diabetes: An insightful look into the microenvironment of tumors

18. July 2025

Faster sepsis diagnosis through hyperspectral imaging and AI

Two researchers are shown side by side: on the left, a man in a blue button-up shirt, and on the right, a man in a white lab coat with glasses. They convey professionalism and collaboration in the field of cancer research, highlighting contributions to a European research project.

15. July 2025

ERC funding for research into improved cancer immunotherapies

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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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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