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.

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.

A focused laboratory technician, wearing a white coat and gloves, carefully examines a test tube with a blue liquid. She appears thoughtful and concerned, suggesting she is analyzing the contents for research purposes. The laboratory setting includes scientific equipment in the background.

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.

Two laboratory researchers, a man and a woman, are closely examining a petri dish. The woman, wearing a lab coat, looks intently at the dish, while the man holds it up, showing its contents. They are in a modern lab environment, highlighting collaborative scientific work.

Latest from DKFZ

Jens Puschhof is wearing a white lab coat and standing with his arms crossed, smiling in a modern, bright environment. Behind him are large windows that offer a view of the hallway.

27. October 2025

Role of intestinal bacteria in the development of colorectal cancer: Emmy Noether grant for DKFZ researcher Jens Puschhof

The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding a new Emmy Noether project led by Jens Puschhof from the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ). With this project, the junior researcher aims to decipher the role of certain intestinal bacteria in the earliest stages of colorectal cancer development and investigate how this process can be halted. The long-term goal is to develop new preventive strategies against colorectal cancer.

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

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

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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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Two female scientists in lab coats are collaborating in a modern laboratory. One is holding a transparent container while the other adjusts a computer monitor. They are both engaged in discussion, emphasizing teamwork in a scientific environment. The background features laboratory equipment and large windows.

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

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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