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.

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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Latest from DKFZ

Eine schematische Darstellung einer Zellmembran, die aus einer Reihenfolge von Kugeln und wellenförmigen Strukturen besteht. Im Hintergrund sind rosafarbene Molekülstrukturen sichtbar, die die Membran umgeben. Die Farben sind überwiegend blau und grün.

03. June 2026

Fat hack protects against cell death

In response to stress or damage, cells undergo senescence and stop dividing. However, if senescent cells accumulate in tissues over the long term, chronic inflammation occurs and the risk of cancer increases. Researchers at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) have now discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which senescent cells protect themselves from oxidative stress and a specific form of cell death known as ferroptosis. In the long term, these findings could provide new avenues for cancer therapies and the treatment of age-related diseases.

Eine Hand reicht eine Zigarettenschachtel in Richtung einer anderen Hand, die abwehrend ausgestreckt ist.

11. May 2026

What Really Helps People Quit Smoking

Ein Wissenschaftler in einem weißen Laborkittel steht in einem hellen, modernen Labor.

08. May 2026

The Plasticity of Malignant Brain Tumors as a Potential Therapeutic Approach: Sibylle Assmus Prize for Neuro-Oncology Awarded to Moritz Mall

Mikroskopische Aufnahme von Zellen, die lila gefärbte Zellkerne und einige rote Blutkörperchen zeigt. Die Zellen sind unregelmäßig geformt und gruppiert.

07. May 2026

Leukemia stem cells cause treatments to fail - Findings open new avenues to overcome resistance

Mikroskopische Ansicht von Zellen in verschiedenen Farben, vor allem in Grün, Blau und Lila. Die Zellen sind unregelmäßig verteilt und zeigen unterschiedliche Formen, mit einem dunkleren Bereich, der sich durch das Bild zieht.

05. May 2026

Brain Metastases in Breast Cancer: Distribution Patterns of Immune Cells Could Improve Treatment Decisions

Eine lächelnde Frau mit dunklen Haaren, die ein schwarzes Oberteil trägt.

04. May 2026

Hella Bühler Prize Awarded to DKFZ Researcher Angelika Feldmann

Eine künstlerische Darstellung, die eine DNA-Doppelhelix vor einer Uhr zeigt. Die Uhr hat romanische Ziffern und steht für die Zeit. Der Hintergrund ist dunkel mit glitzernden Partikeln.

22. April 2026

Higher Biological Age - Higher Cancer Risk

Mikroskopische Aufnahme eines Gewebes mit einer großen, lila gefärbten Zellansammlung, umgeben von helleren, fettigen Bereichen. Die Struktur zeigt eine dichte, homogene Massenanordnung, die auf histologische Merkmale hinweist.

25. March 2026

The Influence of Lymph Node Architecture on Lymphoma

All News

The call for the Fontana Seed Fund Collaboration Challenge 2026 is open

The Fontana Seed Fund Collaboration Challenge is an international collaboration program for early-career researchers who aim to develop innovative interdisciplinary research ideas in international teams. The program combines structured networking, collaborative project development, grant-writing support, and pitch training in a three-day bootcamp at DKFZ Heidelberg. Selected teams will compete for seed funding to further develop international research collaborations.

Apply now

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

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Our research topics

Zell- und Tumorbiologie

Everything about the topic Zell- und Tumorbiologie
Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung

Everything about the topic Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung
Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship

Everything about the topic Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship
Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs

Everything about the topic Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs
Bildgebung und Radioonkologie

Everything about the topic Bildgebung und Radioonkologie

To the research topics

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

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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

The call for the Fontana Seed Fund Collaboration Challenge 2026 is open

Our research opens doors in the fight against cancer

Our research topi­cs

Zell- und Tumorbiologie

Funktionelle und Strukturelle Genomforschung

Epidemiologie, Public Health, Prävention und Survivorship

Immunologie, Infektion und Krebs

Bildgebung und Radioonkologie